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Rosemary Meatballs in Tomato Sauce (Easy Appetizer)

Little baked beef meatballs simmered in a garlicky tomato-rosemary sauce, served warm on toothpicks. Make-ahead-friendly and built for hosting.

Ingredients

Meatballs

  • 2 pounds ground beef (85/15)
  • ⅔ cup panko breadcrumbs
  • ⅓ cup whole milk
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ cup finely grated parmesan
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh rosemary
  • ¾ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

Sauce

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
  • 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
  • 1 (28-ounce) can whole peeled San Marzano tomatoes, crushed by hand
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • Pinch of sugar

To serve

  • Finely grated parmesan
  • Toothpicks

Instructions

  1. Heat oven to 425°F. Line two sheet pans with parchment paper.
  2. Soak panko in milk for 5 minutes.
  3. Combine ground beef, soaked panko, egg, parmesan, rosemary, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Mix gently with hands until just combined.
  4. Roll into 1-inch balls. Arrange on the prepared sheet pans.
  5. Bake for 18 minutes, until cooked through (160°F internal) and lightly golden.
  6. Meanwhile, warm olive oil in a wide skillet over medium heat. Add sliced garlic and cook until fragrant and just turning pale gold, about 1 minute. Add rosemary sprigs and crushed tomatoes, salt, and sugar. Simmer 10 minutes.
  7. Transfer baked meatballs to the sauce, turn gently to coat, cover, and simmer on low for 10 to 15 minutes.
  8. Transfer to a serving bowl, shower with parmesan, and serve warm with toothpicks.

Notes

  • All-beef gives the firmest texture and best cocktail-meatball structure. A beef-pork mix works if that’s what you have.
  • Roll meatballs the night before and refrigerate raw on a tray for stress-free hosting.
  • Sauce can be made a day ahead and tastes even better the next day.
  • Meatballs hold beautifully in the sauce on the lowest heat (covered) for up to an hour, or in a 200°F oven.
  • For tender rosemary that chops cleanly, snip the soft top growth, not the woody lower branches.

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