Cuban Style Meatballs
Delicious Cuban Style Meatballs simmered in a rich tomato sauce, perfect for any family meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound Ground Beef Chuck
- 1 medium Onion, finely diced, divided
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 0.25 teaspoon Ground Cumin
- 0.25 teaspoon Dried Oregano
- 0.25 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1.5 tablespoons Parsley, divided
- 1 large Egg, slightly beaten
- 0.25 cup Plain Bread Crumbs
- 0.25 cup Oil for Frying use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, like canola oil
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
- 3 to 4 Garlic Cloves, minced
- 0.25 cup White Wine No alcoholic drinks allowed, please substitute with a non-alcoholic option.
- 16 ounces Tomato Sauce
- 1 tablespoon Ketchup
- 1 leaf Bay Leaf
Instructions
- Shape the mixture into meatballs, about the size of a golf ball. You should get approximately 12 meatballs.
- In a large, deep skillet, pour enough oil to cover the bottom by about ¼ inch. Heat the oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the meatballs and fry them, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the remaining diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring often, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
- Pour in the white wine and cook for about a minute, scraping any bits off the bottom of the pot. This step adds incredible flavor to the sauce.
- Then, add the tomato sauce, bay leaf, and ketchup. Stir well to combine all of the ingredients.
- Gently add the browned meatballs to the sauce and stir. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and cook for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This slow cooking allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Taste the sauce and add salt if needed. Before serving, sprinkle the remaining parsley over the meatballs for a fresh touch.
Notes
Serve these delicious meatballs with white rice for a complete meal. Feel free to add your favorite herbs or spices to customize the flavor!