1. Prepare the Meatballs:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, milk, egg, minced garlic, parsley, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix until well combined.
- Form Meatballs: Roll the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are cooked through and browned on the outside. Remove from the oven and set aside.
2. Prepare the Tomato and Cheese Sauce:
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, dried basil, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer: Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the cheese is melted and the sauce is heated through.
3. Combine and Serve:
- Add Meatballs to Sauce: Gently add the baked meatballs to the simmering tomato and cheese sauce.
- Coat and Simmer: Spoon the sauce over the meatballs to coat them evenly. Let simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving. Serve the savory meatballs with tomato and cheese sauce over cooked pasta, rice, or with crusty bread.
Tips and Variations:
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or use meatless meatballs.
- Spice It Up: Add extra red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce for a spicier kick.
- Make-Ahead: Prepare the meatballs and sauce ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator and reheat together when ready to serve.
- Freeze: Freeze any leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
This Savory Meatballs with Tomato and Cheese Sauce recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings for a comforting and flavorful dish. Enjoy the combination of tender meatballs with a rich, cheesy tomato sauce for a delightful dinner option any day of the week!