Puerto Rican Albóndigas (Meatballs in Tomato Sauce)

Ingredients

• For the Meatballs:
• 1 lb ground beef 🥩
• 1 egg 🥚
• 0.5 cup breadcrumbs 🍞
• 0.25 cup whole milk 🥛
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
• 0.25 cup onion, finely diced 🧅
• 1 tsp dried oregano 🌿
• 0.5 tsp ground cumin
• 0.5 tsp salt 🧂
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped 🌿
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for frying) 🫒
• For the Tomato Sauce:
• 1 tbsp olive oil 🫒
• 0.5 onion, diced 🧅
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce 🍅
• 0.5 cup crushed tomatoes 🍅
• 0.5 tsp dried oregano 🌿
• 0.5 tsp ground cumin
• 0.5 tsp smoked paprika 🌶️
• 0.5 tsp salt 🧂
• 0.25 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 0.5 cup beef broth 🍲
• 0.5 cup green olives, sliced 🫒 (optional)
• 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped 🌿

Instructions

1. 11️⃣ Prepare the Meatballs
2. 2In a bowl, combine ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, milk, garlic, onion, oregano, cumin, salt, pepper, and parsley. Mix until well combined. Form into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
3. 32️⃣ Sear the Meatballs
4. 4Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs and cook until browned on all sides (about 5-7 minutes). Remove and set aside.
5. 53️⃣ Make the Sauce
6. 6In the same skillet, add more olive oil if needed. Sauté onions and garlic until fragrant. Stir in tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth. Bring to a simmer.
7. 74️⃣ Simmer the Meatballs
8. 8Add the browned meatballs to the sauce, cover, and let them cook on low heat for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. If using olives, add them in the last 5 minutes.
9. 95️⃣ Garnish & Serve
10. 10Sprinkle with fresh cilantro and serve with white rice or tostones for the ultimate Puerto Rican experience! 🍚✨