Albóndigas Guisadas (Meatballs in Tomato Sauce)

Albondigas guisadas

Albóndigas guisadas, or meatballs in tomato sauce, are one of many small, flavorful dishes regularly offered in Spanish tapas bars. Simple enough to make at home and versatile enough to be transformed into a larger meal with rice or pasta, albóndigas are a favorite dish throughout Spain. Recipe Servings: Serves 4–6

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cook Time

35 minutes

Total Time

50 minutes

Vegetarian

Vegan

Gluten Free

Dairy Free

Kosher

Halal

Ingredients

2 slices bread
1/4 cup (60 ml) milk
2 lbs (900 g) ground beef
2 eggs
1/4 cup (60 ml) vegetable oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 onion, white, diced
2 tomatoes, diced
1 can crushed tomatoes
3 Tbsp (45 g) tomato paste
1 bay leaf
1 tsp (5 g) paprika
1/2 cup (40 g) Parmesan cheese, grated
salt to taste
black pepper to taste

Directions

Tear or cut bread slices into small pieces. In a large bowl, combine bread and milk to soak for about 1 minute.
Add the ground beef to the bowl and mix thoroughly.
Add egg to the mixture and incorporate fully. Roll the mixture into palm-sized meatballs.
In a large heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat, heat 2 tablespoons (30 ml) vegetable oil. Fry meatballs until browned on the outside and cooked through. Set aside.
Add another 2 tablespoons (30 ml) vegetable oil to the skillet, if necessary, and sauté onions until soft.
Add garlic, fresh tomatoes, canned tomatoes, and tomato paste. Season sauce with bay leaf, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 15 minutes before adding the parmesan cheese.
Add cooked meatballs to the tomato sauce and warm together for about 5 minutes. Serve hot as a snack or over rice or pasta for a fuller meal.