Mini Meatballs & Basil Tomato Sauce
Want a go to meal that’s easy to make and easy to freeze in batches for later? You’ll want to try this savory, delicious Mini Meatballs & Basil Tomato Sauce recipe.
Who doesn’t love spaghetti and meatballs? It’s a family friendly recipe that you can make in large batches to freeze for later! My Mini Meatballs & Basil Tomato Sauce recipe is sure to get everyone around the table for dinner tonight.
Use our Authentic Italian Meatball Recipe, but roll the meatballs smaller than normal to make them mini meatballs. These are so perfect for kiddos!
The great thing about both these recipes is you can freeze the meatballs for future meals, and even the sauce. Be sure to leave 1/4″ headroom in pint or quart containers when freezing the sauce.
Usually, when it comes to making sauce and meatballs, this is my husband’s area of expertise. He is a third-generation Italian-American and very proud of his heritage. Of course, you know me and the kitchen: when I get an idea- stay out of my way!
So this Basil Tomato Sauce recipe is actually adapted from my mother’s cousin, and is a favorite of mine. I just love the flavor of basil!
Similar Recipes
- Italian Chicken Meatballs – you’ll love these meatballs so much we recommend starting with a double batch to freeze some for later. So good for a quick and easy meal!
- Keto Chicken Meatballs – stay on track with your diet with these yummy chicken meatballs made with low carb ingredients.
You can use this sauce in our Greek spaghetti casserole for a delicious weeknight meal.
👉 Find more recipes using meatballs.
Basil Tomato Sauce
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Ingredients
- 1½ tablespoons olive oil
- ½ cup onion chopped
- 1/3 cup green pepper chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt rounded
- 1 15 oz. can petite diced tomatoes
- 1 6 oz. can tomato paste
- 1 15 oz. can tomato sauce
- ⅛ cup sugar or honey
- 1 teaspoon salt (to cut acidity)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 ½ tablespoons dried basil
- ½ tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 dried bay leaf optional
- fresh basil optional, for garnish
Instructions
- In a dutch oven, heat the oil until very warm. Add the onion and green pepper, and sauté until onions start to soften and yellow. Do not overcook.1½ tablespoons olive oil, ½ cup onion, 1/3 cup green pepper
- Add all the cans of tomato and stir. Add in tomato paste, sugar and seasonings. Mix wnd bring to almost a boil.1 teaspoon garlic salt, 1 15 oz. can petite diced tomatoes, 1 6 oz. can tomato paste, 1 15 oz. can tomato sauce, ⅛ cup sugar, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, 1 ½ tablespoons dried basil, ½ tablespoon dried oregano
- Reduce heat and add the mini meatballs and dried bay leaf, if using.1 dried bay leaf
- Simmer for 45 minutes, stirring frequently. Serve with fresh basil, if desired, over hot pasta.fresh basil
Nutrition
Find more delicious homemade meatball recipes perfect for meal prep and batch freezer-cooking.
With tips for making the perfect meatballs (and freezing them!), plus more than a dozen recipes, this recipe collection has it all! You can get ideas on how to use your meatballs, too.
