Quick Answer
Yes, you can absolutely cook meatballs in sauce. Meatballs are a very versatile food that can be prepared in many different ways, including simmering them in sauce. Some good sauce options for cooking meatballs include tomato sauce, cream sauce, gravy, and curries. The sauce helps keep the meatballs moist and tender and also infuses them with extra flavor. Just be sure not to overcook the meatballs, as they can become dense and rubbery. Cook them until just cooked through and hot in the center. With the right sauce, cooking meatballs this way results in a delicious, saucy dish.
What Types of Sauces Work Well for Cooking Meatballs?
Here are some of the best sauce options for cooking meatballs:
Tomato Sauce
A classic choice, tomato sauce, marinara sauce, or pasta sauce all pair wonderfully with meatballs. The bright acidity of tomato balances the richness of the meat. Simmer the meatballs gently in the sauce for 15-30 minutes until cooked through. Serve over pasta or as meatball subs smothered in sauce and cheese.
Cream Sauce
For a more indulgent dish, cook the meatballs in a cream sauce. The creamy richness envelops the meatballs in flavor. A basic white sauce of butter, flour, milk or cream, and parmesan cheese works great. You can also jazz it up with things like garlic, herbs, mustard, or horseradish. Meatballs in cream sauce go well served over mashed potatoes, pasta, or rice.
Gravy
For classic comfort food, cook the meatballs in gravy. First brown the meatballs, then use the browned bits in the pan to make a gravy deglazing with stock or wine. Let the meatballs simmer in the gravy for 15-20 minutes until cooked through. Meatballs and gravy make the perfect pairing with biscuits, mashed potatoes or egg noodles.
Curries
Meatballs also work well in curries and coconut-based sauces. Try them in a curry made with spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric simmered in coconut milk. Meatballs hold up well to bold curry flavors. Serve them over rice for a satisfying dish.
Tips for Cooking Meatballs in Sauce
Here are some tips to ensure tender, flavorful meatballs when cooking them in sauce:
Don’t Overcrowd
Don’t crowd too many meatballs in the pan when cooking them in sauce. This causes them to steam instead of brown properly. Cook them in batches if needed.
Get a Good Sear
Before adding the sauce, be sure to sear the meatballs first in a hot pan with a little oil to get browned and caramelized edges. This adds a ton of flavor.
Simmer Gently
Once the sauce is added, gently simmer the meatballs over medium-low heat rather than boiling rapidly. This allows them to cook evenly without overcooking the exterior before the inside is done.
Turn the Meatballs
Occasionally turn and rotate the meatballs while simmering so they cook evenly on all sides. Use a spoon or spatula to gently turn them in the sauce.
Check for Doneness
Test the meatballs for doneness before serving. Cut one open to make sure they are cooked through without any raw pink spots left inside. The internal temperature should reach 160°F.
Adjust the Sauce
If needed, you can adjust the sauce with salt, pepper, herbs, acid, or thickness as the meatballs simmer. This helps amplify the flavor.
Meatball Cooking Time in Sauce
The amount of time needed to cook meatballs in sauce depends on a few factors:
– Meatball size – Smaller 1-2 inch meatballs will cook faster than larger balls.
– Meat temperature – Meatballs made with freshly mixed raw meat will take longer than precooked meatballs.
– Simmering temperature – Gently simmering meatballs cooks them slower than boiling rapidly.
– Type of sauce – Thicker sauces may require longer cooking time than thin tomato sauce.
Here are some general guidelines for meatball cooking times in sauce:
– Raw meat, 1-2 inch meatballs: 15-20 minutes
– Raw meat, 3-4 inch meatballs: 20-30 minutes
– Precooked meatballs, any size: 10-15 minutes
The best way to tell when they are done is to cut into a meatball to check for doneness. Cook until just cooked through without any raw pink spots left inside.
Meatball Recipe Ideas
Here are some delicious sauce and meatball recipe ideas to try:
Classic Italian Meatballs
– 1 lb ground beef or mix of beef/pork/veal
– Breadcrumbs, milk, egg, parmesan, parsley, garlic
– Simmer in marinara sauce, serve with pasta
Swedish Meatballs
– 1 lb ground beef or lamb
– Breadcrumbs, cream, egg, allspice, nutmeg
– Simmer in a creamy gravy sauce, serve with egg noodles or mashed potatoes
Barbecue Meatballs
– 1 lb ground beef
– Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, mustard, brown sugar
– Simmer in barbecue sauce, serve on buns
Asian Meatballs
– 1 lb ground turkey, pork, chicken or beef
– Soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, scallions
– Simmer in an Asian-style sauce with coconut milk and curry paste
Cocktail Meatballs
– 1 lb lean ground beef or turkey
– Chili sauce, grape jelly or jam, Worcestershire
– Simmer in sauce, serve warm or chilled
Frequently Asked Questions
Should you brown meatballs before simmering in sauce?
Yes, it is best to sear or brown the meatballs first in a skillet with some oil. This helps them develop a nice caramelized crust on the exterior. Once browned, you can then add them straight to the simmering sauce.
What temperature should meatballs reach when cooked?
The safe minimum internal temperature for meatballs to reach is 160°F. Use an instant read thermometer to check a meatball in the center. At 160°F they will be fully cooked with no raw pink spots.
How do you keep meatballs from falling apart in sauce?
Use a binding agent like breadcrumbs or eggs when mixing the meatball meat. Handle them gently when shaping. Don’t overmix the meat or overcook them. Simmer gently in the sauce. The sauce should keep them moist and held together.
Can you freeze cooked meatballs in sauce?
Yes, fully cooked meatballs in sauce freeze well for 2-3 months. Cool them completely before freezing. Leave some headspace in the container as the sauce may expand. Reheat frozen meatballs in sauce gently until hot and bubbly.
What kinds of meat work well for meatballs?
Ground beef and ground pork are common choices. Ground turkey, chicken, lamb or veal also work well. For best flavor and texture, use a blend of meats like beef, pork, and veal.
Should sauce be thickened before adding meatballs?
No thickening is required beforehand since the meatballs will simmer in the sauce and release some of their juices, naturally thickening it. If needed, you can thicken at the end with cornstarch, roux, or pureed vegetables.
Conclusion
Cooking meatballs in sauce is a great technique that results in moist, tender meatballs infused with lots of flavor. The simmering sauce keeps the meatballs from drying out while also imparting its own taste. Just be careful not to overcook them. With the right sauce choice and gentle simmering method, meatballs cooked this way turn out succulent. The saucy meatballs can be served over pasta, rice, potatoes or a sandwich bun for an easy, delicious meal. Some delicious sauce options include tomato sauce, cream sauce, gravy, barbecue sauce and curries. Add this method to your meal rotation for melt-in-your-mouth meatballs every time.