Spanish Meatballs Recipe

Looking for a flavorful and hearty dish that brings a taste of Spain right to your table? These Spanish Meatballs, or Albondigas, are the perfect combination of savory ground beef, aromatic spices, and a rich tomato-based sauce. The meatballs are tender, juicy, and packed with flavor, while the sauce is a vibrant, comforting mix of fresh tomatoes, garlic, and paprika. Served over rice or with crusty bread to soak up the sauce, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy dinner or entertaining guests, Spanish Meatballs are a delightful option that will transport you straight to the heart of Spain.

The key to these Spanish Meatballs is in the preparation. Lean ground beef is paired with breadcrumbs, whole milk, and an egg yolk, creating a rich and flavorful meatball with the perfect texture. The paprika adds a lovely warmth and smokiness, balancing beautifully with the savory sauce made from fresh tomatoes, garlic, and aromatic bay leaves. It’s a simple yet elegant dish that highlights the bold, comforting flavors of Spanish cuisine.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Flavorful Meatballs

The meatballs are made with a combination of ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, and aromatic spices like paprika and garlic, resulting in tender, flavorful bites that are perfectly seasoned.

2. Homemade Sauce

The sauce is made from fresh tomatoes, garlic, onion, and bay leaves, giving it a rich and vibrant flavor that enhances the meatballs and makes the dish feel like a special treat.

3. Versatile Dish

Serve these meatballs over rice, pasta, or with warm crusty bread to soak up all the sauce. They also make a great appetizer for a dinner party.

4. One-Pot Meal

The meatballs and sauce come together in one pan, making this a convenient and easy-to-make dish that minimizes cleanup and maximizes flavor.

5. Perfect for Meal Prep

These meatballs store well in the refrigerator and can easily be reheated for a quick, flavorful meal during the week. They also freeze beautifully, making them a great option for preparing ahead.

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• Ground beef
• Breadcrumbs
• Whole milk
• Garlic
• Egg yolk
• Paprika (sweet or smoked)
• Salt and pepper
• Olive oil (for browning)

For the Sauce:

• Olive oil (for sautéing)
• Yellow onion
• Garlic
• Bay leaf
• Paprika
• Fresh tomatoes

Variations

• Spicy Spanish Meatballs: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture or the sauce for some heat.
• Vegetarian Option: Swap the ground beef for a plant-based meat alternative or use lentils to create a vegetarian version of these meatballs.
• Add Vegetables to the Sauce: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to the sauce for extra flavor and texture.
• Herbaceous Meatballs: Add fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro to the meatball mixture for an extra burst of flavor.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, whole milk, egg yolk, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix the ingredients until just combined—be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.

Step 2: Form the Meatballs

Using your hands, shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. This will yield about 20 meatballs, depending on the size.

Step 3: Brown the Meatballs

Heat olive oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the meatballs in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Brown the meatballs on all sides, which should take about 5 minutes. Once browned, remove them from the pan and set them aside.

Step 4: Prepare the Sauce

In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed and sauté the yellow onion until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Stir in the paprika and bay leaf.

Step 5: Add the Tomatoes

Add the fresh tomatoes to the pan, breaking them up with a spoon. Cook for 10-15 minutes until the tomatoes have softened and released their juices, forming a sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 6: Simmer the Meatballs in the Sauce

Return the browned meatballs to the skillet with the tomato sauce. Cover the pan and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce has thickened. Stir occasionally and add a little water or broth if the sauce gets too thick.

Step 7: Serve

Serve the Spanish meatballs hot with your favorite side, such as rice, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley if desired.

Tips for Making the Recipe

1. Don’t Overmix the Meatball Mixture

Mixing the ingredients until just combined helps to keep the meatballs tender and juicy. Overworking the mixture can make them tough.

2. Brown the Meatballs First

Browning the meatballs before adding them to the sauce adds flavor and helps to create a nice crust on the meatballs. It also locks in moisture.

3. Use Fresh Tomatoes

For the best flavor, use fresh tomatoes in the sauce. They provide a vibrant, tangy base that complements the paprika and garlic.

4. Simmer for Flavor

Let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for at least 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together and the meatballs to fully cook through.

5. Make Ahead

You can prepare the meatballs and sauce ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.

How to Serve

Spanish meatballs are traditionally served with rice, but they can also be enjoyed with pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread. The sauce is perfect for soaking up with a side of warm bread. For a lighter option, serve the meatballs with a side of sautéed vegetables or a fresh salad.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They make a great meal prep option for lunch or dinner during the week.

Freezing

Spanish meatballs freeze beautifully. Once cooled, transfer the meatballs and sauce to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and heat on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.

Reheating

Reheat leftover meatballs in the microwave or on the stovetop. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up while reheating.

FAQs

1. Can I use ground chicken or turkey instead of beef?

Yes! You can substitute the ground beef with ground chicken or turkey for a lighter version of the dish.

2. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, heat it up and add the cooked meatballs.

3. How do I know when the meatballs are done?

The meatballs are done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), or when they are no longer pink in the center.

4. Can I make these meatballs in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs ahead of time, refrigerate them, and then cook them in the sauce when you’re ready to serve.

5. Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use canned crushed tomatoes as a substitute for fresh tomatoes. Opt for high-quality, no-salt-added canned tomatoes for the best flavor.

6. How spicy are these meatballs?

These meatballs are not inherently spicy, but you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the sauce or meatball mixture if you prefer some heat.

7. Can I make these meatballs without paprika?

If you don’t have paprika, you can use other spices such as cumin or chili powder for a different flavor profile.

8. How do I prevent the meatballs from falling apart?

Be gentle when mixing and forming the meatballs to avoid overworking the meat. The egg yolk and breadcrumbs will help bind the mixture and keep the meatballs intact.

9. Can I double this recipe?

Yes! This recipe can easily be doubled if you’re feeding a larger crowd. Just be sure to use a bigger skillet or make the sauce in two batches.

10. What can I serve with these meatballs?

These meatballs pair wonderfully with rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread. You can also serve them with a side of sautéed vegetables or a fresh green salad.

Conclusion

These Spanish Meatballs with rich tomato sauce are the perfect comfort food with a Mediterranean twist. The juicy, flavorful meatballs paired with a savory, aromatic sauce make for a hearty and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special family gathering, this recipe is sure to please. Easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and perfect for meal prep, Spanish Meatballs will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Enjoy!

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