Ingredients:

  • 1 pound (450 g) ground beef (or turkey)
  • 1/2 cup (70 g) breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
  • 1/4 cup (30 g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup (240 ml) beef or chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, parsley, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  2. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overwork the mixture.
  3. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  4. Wet your hands and shape the mixture into 1.5-inch (4 cm) meatballs, placing them on a baking tray.
  5. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until browned and cooked through.
  6. Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat, sauté onion until translucent.
  7. Add diced tomatoes, broth, oregano, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
  8. Simmer for 10 minutes to let flavors meld.
  9. Gently add baked meatballs to the sauce, cooking for an additional 5 minutes to soak up flavors.