There’s nothing quite like a big bowl of savory meatballs and pasta to bring the family together. This recipe for Pork Sausage Meatballs in Pepper and Onion Sauce takes a classic comfort food and elevates it with the rich, pre-seasoned flavor of Italian pork sausage. The meatballs are perfectly seasoned and then simmered to tender perfection in a rustic, slow-cooked sauce with sweet peppers and onions. It’s a hearty, delicious, and deeply satisfying meal that is guaranteed to become a cherished family recipe.
Why I love This Recipe
I’m a huge fan of recipes that build layers of flavor with simple ingredients, and this one is a true hero in my kitchen. What I love most is the “brilliant” use of sausage meat. The seasoning in a good quality Italian pork sausage—fennel, garlic, and herbs—adds a wonderful depth of flavor to the meatballs that you just can’t get from plain ground meat. The second brilliant part is the simmering. By baking the meatballs to brown them first and then simmering them in the sauce, you get the best of both worlds: a perfect crust and a tender, juicy meatball that infuses the sauce with its savory goodness.
Ingredients
For the Pork Sausage Meatballs:
- 2 lbs mild pork sausages, casings removed
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, minced
- 1 cup grated Romano cheese
For the Pepper and Onion Sauce:
- 2 (28 oz) cans whole tomatoes, crushed with your hands
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1 chopped red bell pepper
- 4 garlic cloves, chopped
- 1/2 cup dry red wine (Chianti or Cabernet)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Fresh basil
Swaps and Notes
- Sausage: While mild Italian pork sausage is the recommended choice, you can also use a spicy sausage for a little kick. You can also mix pork sausage with an equal amount of ground beef or ground veal for a different flavor profile.
- Cheese: Romano cheese adds a sharp, salty flavor to the meatballs that is perfect. You can also use grated Parmesan cheese as a substitute.
- Breadcrumbs: Plain breadcrumbs are a great binder for the meatballs. For a richer flavor, you can use panko breadcrumbs or even make your own from day-old bread.
- Red Wine: A dry red wine like Chianti or Cabernet adds a beautiful depth of flavor to the sauce. If you prefer not to use alcohol, you can simply substitute it with an equal amount of chicken or beef broth.
- Veggies: The combination of onion and red bell pepper is classic. You can also add other vegetables like sliced mushrooms, carrots, or even some fresh zucchini to the sauce.
- Herbs: Fresh basil is a perfect finishing touch for this sauce. You can also add some fresh oregano or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
List of Steps for the Recipe
- Prepare the Meatballs: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, combine the sausage meat with the minced garlic, plain breadcrumbs, beaten eggs, minced parsley, and grated Romano cheese. Use your hands to mix everything together until it’s just combined. Be careful not to overwork the meat, as this can make the meatballs tough.
- Shape and Bake: Roll the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs and place them on a baking sheet. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes. This step is to brown the meatballs; they will finish cooking in the sauce.
- Make the Sauce: While the meatballs are baking, add the olive oil to a large pot or skillet over low heat. Once the oil begins to shimmer, add the chopped onion, red bell pepper, and chopped garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes, but be careful not to let the garlic burn.
- Add Tomatoes and Wine: Add the red wine and the crushed whole tomatoes to the pot. Bring the sauce to a boil.
- Simmer with Meatballs: Carefully add the baked meatballs and a few fresh basil leaves to the sauce. Reduce the heat to a very low simmer. Cover the pot and let the sauce simmer for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. Use a wooden spoon and stir slowly and gently to avoid breaking up the meatballs.
- Serve: Once the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce has thickened, serve hot.
Tips for Success
- Don’t Overwork the Meat: Overworking the meatball mixture can result in a tough, dense meatball. Mix just until everything is incorporated.
- Brown the Meatballs: Baking the meatballs first is a crucial step. It gives them a nice crust and helps them hold their shape when you simmer them in the sauce.
- Simmer on Low Heat: Simmering the meatballs on very low heat is the key to getting a tender, juicy meatball. It allows the flavors to meld together and the meat to become incredibly soft without falling apart.
- Fresh Basil: Fresh basil adds a bright, aromatic flavor to the sauce. Tearing the leaves and adding them at the end is a perfect finishing touch.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
These meatballs and sauce are perfect served over a bed of spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne pasta. For a different side, you can serve them with some creamy polenta or with a loaf of warm, crusty bread for dipping.
For a drink pairing, a glass of the same dry red wine you used in the sauce would be a perfect complement to the rich and savory flavors.
Nutritional Information
(Please note that this is an estimate and will vary based on specific brands and portion sizes)
This is a hearty, satisfying meal that is a great source of protein from the pork sausage. The sauce provides vitamins from the tomatoes and peppers. While it is higher in calories, it’s a wonderfully comforting and delicious meal that is perfect for a special family dinner.
Storage and Leftover Tips
Leftovers of this dish are fantastic and often taste even better the next day! Store any remaining portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place a serving in a pot and gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally.
Final Thoughts
This Pork Sausage Meatballs in Pepper and Onion Sauce recipe is a timeless classic for a reason. It’s a comforting, delicious, and easy meal that is perfect for any occasion. The combination of savory sausage, rich sauce, and tender meatballs is simply irresistible. I hope you enjoy this effortless and delicious meal as much as I do!
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