Meatballs in Tomato Sauce - A delicious oven-baked classic for the whole family

Hearty, fruity, and incredibly simple: Meatball Casserole Deluxe

There are some dishes that always work – especially when you want them to be quick, uncomplicated, and still really delicious. My recipe for meatballs in tomato sauce is one of them. A true oven-baked classic that will delight everyone at the table with its fruity and spicy sauce, tender meat, and golden-brown cheese crust – from toddlers to grandmas.

With just a few easy-to-combine ingredients and a simple preparation process, even beginners can make this dish – and is so aromatic that it's also perfect for guests. A particularly sophisticated touch: A dash of apple juice in the sauce adds a subtle fruity note, giving the whole dish a particularly well-rounded flavor.

Table of Contents

• What makes this recipe special?

• Ingredients at a glance

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• Step-by-step instructions

• Tips for perfect meatballs

• Side dish recommendations

• Meal Prep & Storage

What makes this recipe special?

This dish is more than just "meatballs with tomato sauce." It's true soul food. The combination of tender minced meat, a creamy tomato sauce with a fruity note, aromatic herbs, and melt-in-the-mouth mozzarella is guaranteed to leave empty plates and happy faces.

Especially practical: The casserole is cooked in the oven – saving time and washing up. In the meantime, you can prepare the side dishes or just take a deep breath.

Ingredients for Meatballs in Tomato Sauce

For the Meatballs:

• 500 g mixed minced meat (beef and pork)

• 2 tbsp cream cheese (e.g., plain or herb)

• Salt & Pepper to taste

For the tomato sauce:

• 1 onion

• 2 garlic cloves

• 2 tbsp tomato paste

• 400 ml passata

• 100 ml apple juice (naturally cloudy or clear)

• 100 ml cream

• 1 tsp Italian herbs (dried or frozen)

• 1 tbsp olive oil for frying

• Salt & Pepper to taste

Also:

• 200 g mozzarella (grated or sliced)

• Oil for the baking dish

Make your own meatballs - Step by Step

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

1. Preheat oven to 180°C top/bottom heat (160°C fan-assisted).

2. Mix the ground meat with the cream cheese, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.

3. Form the mixture into approximately 25 small meatballs and place them side by side in a greased baking dish.

Step 2: Cook the Tomato Sauce

1. Onion and Peel and finely chop the garlic.

2. Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté both until translucent.

3. Add tomato paste and fry for 1-2 minutes until lightly caramelized.

4. Deglaze with apple juice, stir in the passata and cream.

5. Add herbs, salt, and pepper and let the sauce simmer gently for 5-10 minutes.

Step 3: Finish the casserole and bake

1. The Pour the tomato sauce evenly over the meatballs in the dish.

2. Sprinkle with mozzarella.

3. Place the dish on the middle rack of the oven and bake for about 30 minutes, until the meatballs are cooked through and the cheese is golden brown.

5 Tips for Perfect Oven-Baked Meatballs

1. Cream cheese as the secret ingredient: Makes the meatballs particularly moist and gives them a mild creaminess.

2. Not too Make large meatballs: Smaller meatballs cook faster and more evenly.

3. Don't omit the apple juice: It gives the sauce a wonderful freshness – alternatively, a mild white wine or some broth with a squeeze of lemon juice works.

4. Vary the cheese for topping: If you like it spicier, you can e.g. For example, use a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan.

5. Pre-cooking the sauce is worthwhile: This allows the flavors to develop better and you have control over the consistency.

Side dish ideas for meatballs in tomato sauce

• Pasta (spaghetti, penne, tagliatelle)

• Rice (especially delicious: buttered rice or wild rice mix)

• Mashed potatoes (creamy with nutmeg)

• Ciabatta or baguette (for dipping the Sauce)

• Salad (e.g., an arugula and tomato salad with balsamic dressing)

Meal Prep & Storage

• Prepare: You can prepare the meatballs and sauce the day before and store them in the refrigerator.

• Freeze: The finished casserole or just the sauce can be easily frozen. Simply thaw before serving and warm in the oven or on the stovetop.

• Use leftovers: Leftovers can be wonderfully combined in wraps, on sandwiches, or with fresh pasta.

Conclusion: The oven classic for every day

Whether during the week or as a cozy Sunday dinner, meatballs in tomato sauce are a true all-rounder. Quick to make, hearty in flavor, and popular with all ages. The easy preparation in the oven makes this dish particularly practical, while the fruity sauce and melted cheese ensure pure feel-good moments.

Try it out – Your family will love it!

Prep time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: approx. 620 kcal
Macros: 18g carbohydrates / 38g protein / 42g fat