Beef Meatballs in Tomato Sauce with Mozzarella | Juicy & Easy One-Pot Recipe

These juicy beef meatballs are simmered in a rich tomato sauce and topped with melted mozzarella — all baked in one pot! It’s the ultimate cozy dinner that’s easy to make and full of flavor. Serve with pasta, mashed potatoes, or warm crusty bread to soak up every drop of sauce!

• Simple and beginner-friendly
• Cheesy, tender, and packed with flavor
• A comforting meal your whole family will love

Full recipe below – don’t forget to save and share!

Ingredients:

• 2–3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• Salt (to taste)
• 4 garlic cloves, grated or minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 700g (or 1 x 28 oz) can crushed tomatoes (peeled if desired)
• 0.5–0.75 cup water
• 1 tsp Italian herbs or herbes de Provence
• 600 g (1.2 lb) ground beef
• ⅓ cup grated Gruyère or Parmesan cheese
• ½ tsp red paprika
• ⅓ cup full-fat Greek yogurt (or heavy cream)
• ¾ cup breadcrumbs
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Chopped parsley (for garnish)

Perfect with pasta or mashed potatoes!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a Dutch oven or oven-safe pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add chopped onion and 1 tsp salt. Sauté for about 10 minutes until soft and golden.
4. Add 3 cloves of grated garlic and cook for 1 minute.
5. Stir in tomato paste and cook for another minute.
6. Pour in crushed tomatoes and ½ cup water. Add herbs and let simmer on low heat while you prepare the meatballs.
7. In a large bowl, combine:
   
   • Ground beef
   • ⅓ cup Gruyère or Parmesan
   • 1 tsp salt
   • 1 clove grated garlic
   • ½ tsp paprika
   • Greek yogurt or cream
   • Breadcrumbs
   • A pinch of herbs

   Mix gently until just combined. Do not overmix!

8. Coat hands with olive oil and shape meatballs (about 2 tbsp each).
9. Carefully place meatballs into the simmering sauce.
10. Cover the pot with a lid and transfer to the oven.
11. Bake for 15 minutes, then uncover and bake for 15 minutes more.
12. Sprinkle mozzarella on top, move the pot to the top oven rack, and broil for 1–2 minutes until golden and bubbly.
13. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley.

🧡 Serving Tips:

Serve over pasta, mashed potatoes, or with warm crusty bread to soak up all that flavorful sauce!