Pizza Libretto's Meatball and Tomato Sauce

25 mins Prep Time

30 mins Cook Time

Written By

Robin Winship

Try out Pizza Libretto's original meatball and tomato sauce recipe. Serve with whipped bufala ricotta and crusty charred bread just like they do at the restaurant!

If you give this recipe a shot, make sure to post up your creation on Instagram and tag @tastetoronto and @pizzalibretto!

Ingredients

Meatballs

1 ½ kg (or roughly 3 lbs) of ground beef, ground pork and ground pork belly
¾ cups breadcrumbs
1 egg
½ cup parsley, chopped
¼ cup chives, chopped
¼ cup oregano, chopped
½ cup roasted red peppers, pureed
½ cup parmigiano cheese, finely grated
½ tbsp salt
½ tbsp black pepper

Tomato Sauce

½ cup olive oil
½ large onion, finely diced
1 tbsp garlic (2 cloves), finely chopped
1 L canned San Marzano tomato, puree
¼ cup bomba (Italian spicy condiment found at most grocery stores)
¼ basil, chopped
½ tbsp salt
2 tbsp olive oil
½ cup parmigiano cheese (coarsely grated)

Directions

Meatballs

5 Steps

Step 1

Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl until well incorporated.
Step 2

Use standard ice cream scoop to portion the meatballs.
Step 3

Roll the meat in the hand to give it a tight circular shape and place on a large sheet pan lined with parchment paper.
Step 4

Bake in the oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes.
Step 5

Remove from oven and set aside.

Tomato Sauce

8 Steps

Step 1

Add ¼ cup of olive oil to a large enough pot that the meatballs will fit.
Step 2

Sautee the onions over medium heat until translucent.
Step 3

Add chopped garlic and sautee for another minute.
Step 4

Add the tomato sauce and bring to a simmer – for five minutes.
Step 5

Add the chopped basil, bomba, salt and simmer for another five minutes.
Step 6

Add meatballs and drippings left in the tray and simmer for another 15 minutes.
Step 7

In a bowl, place 3 meatballs and pour a spoon of sauce over top each meatball.
Step 8

Sprinkle 1 tbsp of the grated parmigiano cheese over top.