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Saucy Meatballs with Zucchini and Eggplant

  • Author: Mia Swinehart
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Dinner

Description

Saucy stovetop meatballs, zucchini, and eggplant!


Ingredients

Scale

For the Meatballs

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 lb ground pork
  • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup Italian bread crumbs (gluten free if needed)
  • Handful of fresh parsley, roughly chopped
  • 34 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 + 1/2 tsp sea salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tsp dried oregano

For the sauce and veggies

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 large zucchini, diced
  • 2 small eggplants (or 1 large), diced
  • 1/3 of an onion, diced
  • 2 (18 oz) bottles whole peeled tomatoes
1 (24 oz) bottle strained tomatoes
  • 45 leaves of fresh basil
  • S+p, to taste

Instructions

  1. Mix the meatball ingredients by hand in a large bowl. Roll into 16-18 balls, set aside. Don’t overwork the meatballs, as this can dry them out!
  2. Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Sear the meatballs for 2 minutes per side to get them browned. Remove and set aside (don’t worry about cooking them all the way!)
  3. Add olive oil, zucchini, eggplant, and onion to the pot. Cook for 4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Meanwhile, crush the whole peeled tomatoes with your hands in a large bowl. Add the tomatoes and tomato sauce to the pot. Season well with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
  5. Once simmering, carefully add your meatballs and basil. Reduce heat and allow to simmer for at least 30 minutes, until veggies are tender and meatballs are cooked through.