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.5 inches in diameter. Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they’re spaced evenly apart.
Step 2: Make the Pizza-Ola Sauce
- While the meatballs are baking, heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until they become soft and fragrant.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. If the sauce is too acidic, you can add a teaspoon of sugar to balance the flavors. Allow the sauce to simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or herbs to suit your preferences.
Step 3: Combine Meatballs and Sauce
- Once the meatballs are cooked and the sauce is ready, add the meatballs to the pizza-ola sauce, making sure each meatball is submerged in the sauce.
- Simmer the meatballs in the sauce for about 10-15 minutes, allowing them to soak up all the delicious flavors of the pizza-ola sauce.
- If you want, top with shredded mozzarella cheese during the last 5 minutes of simmering, allowing the cheese to melt and become bubbly.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
- Once the meatballs are fully coated in the sauce, remove from heat.
- Serve the meatballs with pizza-ola sauce hot and garnish with fresh basil leaves for a burst of color and flavor.
- For an extra treat, serve the meatballs over spaghetti, rice, or even a crispy baguette to soak up the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
- Over Pasta: Serve the meatballs with pizza-ola sauce on a bed of your favorite pasta—spaghetti, penne, or rigatoni would all be great choices.
- On a Sub Roll: Turn this into a delicious meatball sub by placing the meatballs and sauce on a hoagie roll, then topping with melted mozzarella cheese.
- With a Side Salad: Pair the meatballs with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
Variations to Try
While the base recipe for Meatballs with Pizza-Ola is already delicious, there are a few ways to make it your own:
- Spicy Kick: Add some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the pizza-ola sauce for a little heat.
- Cheese Lovers: Experiment with different cheeses. In addition to mozzarella, you could try provolone, ricotta, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan on top for extra cheesiness.
- Vegetarian Option: For a meatless version, substitute the ground beef with a plant-based ground meat or use ricotta and spinach to make vegetarian meatballs.
Conclusion
Meatballs with Pizza-Ola is the kind of dish that brings comfort, flavor, and satisfaction to the table. The hearty meatballs paired with the tangy, herb-infused pizza-ola sauce create a symphony of tastes that will have your taste buds dancing. It’s a dish that’s easy to prepare, adaptable to your personal tastes, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
Whether you’re making it for dinner tonight or serving it at a gathering, Meatballs with Pizza-Ola is a recipe everyone will love. So, go ahead and try it out—you won’t be disappointed!