This Jamie Oliver-inspired mountain meatballs recipe is the ultimate comfort food. Tender homemade meatballs are gently simmered in a rich tomato sauce packed with colorful vegetables and aromatic herbs. The result is a hearty, rustic meal that’s perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or cozy weekends. Served with crusty bread, pasta, or creamy mashed potatoes, these flavorful meatballs deliver warmth and satisfaction in every bite.
Total Time:1hr 10 minutes
Yield:6 servings
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
500g ground beef
100g fresh breadcrumbs
1 egg
50g grated Parmesan cheese
1 small onion, finely grated
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Sauce
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, diced
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons tomato paste
800g canned chopped tomatoes
250ml vegetable or chicken stock
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and black pepper to taste
Garnish
Fresh parsley
Grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
In a large bowl, combine beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan, onion, garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Mix gently until just combined and shape into 16–18 meatballs.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
Brown the meatballs on all sides, then remove and set aside.
In the same pan, sauté onion, carrots, celery, and bell pepper for 6–8 minutes.
Add garlic and tomato paste, cooking for 1 minute.
Stir in chopped tomatoes, stock, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Return the meatballs to the sauce.
Cover and simmer gently for 40–45 minutes until the meatballs are tender and cooked through.
Garnish with parsley and Parmesan before serving.
Notes
A mixture of beef and pork creates extra juicy meatballs.
Don’t overmix the meat mixture or the meatballs may become dense.
The sauce can be made a day ahead for even deeper flavor.
Leftovers taste even better the next day.
Freeze cooled meatballs and sauce for up to 3 months.
