Sloppy Joe Meatball Bake (Printer-Friendly Version)
Juicy beef meatballs simmer in sweet-savory tomato sauce, topped with melted mozzarella for a saucy, satisfying skillet meal.
# Required Ingredients:
→ Meatballs
01 -
680 g lean ground beef
02 -
1 large egg
03 -
75 g panko bread crumbs
04 -
80 ml whole milk
05 -
40 g yellow onion, finely chopped
06 -
5 ml Worcestershire sauce
07 -
7 g kosher salt
08 -
0.5 g freshly ground black pepper
→ Sauce and Assembly
09 -
30 ml extra-virgin olive oil
10 -
1 medium red bell pepper, finely chopped
11 -
2 cloves garlic, minced
12 -
100 g yellow onion, finely chopped
13 -
425 g tomato sauce
14 -
120 ml ketchup
15 -
60 ml water
16 -
15 ml apple cider vinegar
17 -
12 g light brown sugar, packed
18 -
5 ml yellow mustard
19 -
15 ml Worcestershire sauce
20 -
170 g shredded mozzarella cheese
# Step-by-Step Instructions:
01 -
Combine ground beef, egg, panko bread crumbs, milk, 40 g onion, 5 ml Worcestershire sauce, kosher salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. Mix until just combined. Roll mixture into approximately 33 balls, each about 4 cm in diameter (2 tablespoons per ball), and arrange on a plate.
02 -
Preheat oven to broil on high. In a large Dutch oven or ovenproof pot over medium-high heat, warm 15 ml olive oil. Arrange meatballs in a single layer and cook, turning to brown on all sides, for 7 to 9 minutes. Transfer meatballs to a plate and discard excess fat from the pot.
03 -
Return pot to medium heat and add remaining olive oil, bell pepper, garlic, and 100 g chopped onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are softened, 8 to 10 minutes. Add tomato sauce, ketchup, water, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, yellow mustard, and remaining Worcestershire sauce. Stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
04 -
Return meatballs to the pot. Stir gently to coat with sauce and bring to a simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens slightly and meatballs are fully cooked, 4 to 6 minutes. Remove from heat and sprinkle evenly with shredded mozzarella.
05 -
Place pot under broiler and cook until cheese is bubbling and golden, about 2 minutes. Serve hot, garnished as desired.
# Handy Cooking Tips:
01 -
Searing the meatballs before simmering in sauce ensures a crispy exterior and prevents them from falling apart during cooking.
02 -
Feel free to substitute mozzarella with cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper Jack for a different flavor profile.