- Contadina Tomato Paste (for rich flavor and color)
- Ground Beef (lean or extra lean, depending on preference)
- Finely Chopped Italian Parsley (adds freshness and herbaceous notes)
- Minced Garlic Cloves (freshly minced for best taste)
- Fresh Basil Leaves (to enhance the overall herbal aroma)
- Contadina Canned Whole Tomatoes (for a thicker sauce consistency)
- Dry Oregano (traditional Italian herb, essential in authentic recipes)
- Salt (adjust to taste preference)
- Black Pepper (grind freshly from the peppermill for maximum flavor)
- Breadcrumbs (helps bind the meatballs together)
- Egg Whites (binds ingredients without adding extra fat)
- Olive Oil (for sautéing and coating the meatballs, rich in antioxidants)
Incorporate these SEO-friendly keywords to ensure your content ranks well:
- Contadina Tomato Paste
- Ground Beef
- Italian Parsley
- Minced Garlic Cloves
- Fresh Basil Leaves
- Canned Whole Tomatoes
- Dry Oregano
- Salt and Pepper
- Breadcrumbs
- Egg Whites
- Olive Oil
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Steps
### Contadina Baked Meatballs with Tomato Herb Sauce: A Step-by-Step Guide
#### Introduction to Contadina Baked Meatballs
Contadina baked meatballs are a delicious and comforting Italian dish that combines tender, flavorful meatballs with a rich tomato herb sauce. This recipe uses Contadina canned tomatoes, which add the perfect balance of acidity and sweetness, making it easy for even beginners to achieve a restaurant-quality meal.
#### Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (80% lean)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 can (28 ounces) Contadina whole peeled tomatoes, crushed by hand
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh oregano
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Olive oil for sautéing
#### Instructions
**Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs**
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
2. Mix until well combined but be careful not to overmix as it can make the meatballs tough.
**Step 2: Form the Meatballs**
3. Roll the mixture into small balls, about 1-2 inches in diameter. You should have around 20-25 meatballs depending on their size.
4. Place the formed meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
#### Baking the Meatballs
**Step 3: Preheat Your Oven**
5. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
**Step 4: Bake the Meatballs**
6. Bake the meatballs for about 25-30 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
#### Making the Tomato Herb Sauce
**Step 5: Cook the Aromatics**
7. While the meatballs are baking, heat a large skillet over medium heat.
8. Add a drizzle of olive oil and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant but not browned.
**Step 6: Create the Sauce Base**
9. Add the crushed Contadina tomatoes to the pan along with the tomato paste.
10. Stir well, then let it simmer for about 5 minutes to slightly reduce the liquid and thicken the sauce.
**Step 7: Blend In Herbs**
11. Mix in the chopped basil and oregano. Allow the herbs to infuse into the sauce for another 2-3 minutes.
12. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding salt and pepper if necessary.
#### Combining Meatballs and Sauce
**Step 8: Combine Everything**
13. Once the meatballs are done baking, remove them from the oven.
14. Spoon the tomato herb sauce over the meatballs to coat evenly.
**Step 9: Serve Hot**
15. Serve immediately with a side of pasta or as a main course dish.
#### Tips and Variations
- For an extra burst of flavor, add a splash of red wine during the sauce-making process.
- Experiment with different herbs like thyme or rosemary for unique flavors.
- If you prefer a smoother texture, blend half of the crushed tomatoes in a blender before adding them to the pan.
#### SEO and Keywords Optimization
Use keywords such as "Contadina meatballs," "tomato herb sauce," "baked meatballs recipe," and "Italian cuisine" throughout the content. Include meta descriptions, alt text for images, and internal linking to related articles or product pages on your site to improve search engine rankings.
By following these detailed steps, you can create a delicious contadina baked meatball dish that will impress family and friends alike. Enjoy cooking!