Spanish Meatballs in Almond Tomato Sauce
- Serves
- 4 servings
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 25 min
- Cost
- $16.00
- Nutrition
- 600 cal · 38g protein
- kid-favorite
- comfort-food
- freezer-friendly
🍳 1 pan · Picky-eater safe bet: plain bread or a bun
Spanish Meatballs in Almond Tomato Sauce is a Mediterranean weeknight dinner that serves 4 and is on the table in about 40 minutes, for around $16 in groceries. You'll need 1 pan, and the 13 ingredients below are everyday supermarket items. Cooking for a picky eater? Plain bread or a bun works on its own for the one who won't try the rest. Add it to your week and the whole grocery list lands in your Instacart cart in one tap.
Goes with: Garlicky green beans (10 min)
Contains: Eggs · Gluten · Tree nuts— based on the ingredients; brands vary, so check labels.
Cookware you'll need
Set these out before you start — it saves hunting through drawers mid-recipe.
- 12-inch nonstick skilletDon't have one? Amazon →
- BlenderDon't have one? Amazon →
- 8-inch chef's knifeDon't have one? Amazon →
- Large cutting boards (set of 2)Don't have one? Amazon →
- Silicone spatula & turner setDon't have one? Amazon →
- Wooden spoonsDon't have one? Amazon →
Our kitchen essentials list · As an Amazon Associate, DinnerDrop earns from qualifying purchases.
Ingredients
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 lb 90% lean ground beef
- ½ lb ground pork
- ½ cup plain breadcrumbs
- 1 count eggs
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1 count yellow onion
- 1 can no-salt-added crushed tomatoes (28 oz)
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- ⅓ cup sliced almonds
- 1 count crusty bread
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
Steps
- Mix the beef, pork, breadcrumbs, egg, half the garlic (minced), 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp salt, and pepper. Roll into 1.5-inch meatballs.
- Brown the meatballs in the oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat, 6 minutes, turning. Remove.
- Cook the diced onion and remaining garlic in the pan 4 minutes. Add the tomatoes, remaining paprika, and 1/2 cup water.
- Grind the almonds finely in a blender or chop very fine and stir them into the sauce to thicken it. Return the meatballs, cover, and simmer 15 minutes until the meatballs reach 160°F in the center.
- Serve in bowls with crusty bread for the sauce.
- Picky eater tip: plain meatballs and a piece of crusty bread, with the sauce on the side.
- Make ahead: roll the meatballs up to a day ahead and keep them covered in the fridge, or freeze the cooked meatballs in the sauce for up to 3 months.
On the side: Garlicky green beans (10 min)
12 oz green beans
- Trim the green beans. Cook in a skillet with a splash of olive oil over medium-high heat, 6 to 8 minutes, until bright and just tender.
- Stir in a minced garlic clove for the last minute and season with salt.
Nutrition per serving
- Protein
- 38 g
- Carbohydrates
- 42 g
- Fiber
- 4 g
- Sugar
- 6 g
- Fat
- 28 g
- Saturated fat
- 10 g
- Sodium
- 620 mg
Estimated from the ingredients and amounts in this recipe; brands and portions vary. Not medical or dietary advice.
Photo: DinnerDrop