20-Min Polpette al Sugo with Crispy Parmesan
Tender beef meatballs simmered in tomato sauce, finished with a shatteringly crisp Parmesan wafer. One pan, pure Italian comfort in under 20 minutes.
- Total time
- 20 min
- Servings
- 2
- Calories
- 420
- Protein
- 32g

Ingredients
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Open the appInstructions
Step 1
Mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, half the Parmesan, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl until just combined.
Step 2
Roll mixture into 8–10 walnut-sized meatballs and place on a plate.
Step 3
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high until shimmering, about 1 minute.
Step 4
Add meatballs without moving for 2 minutes until bottoms brown, then roll and cook 1 minute more.
Step 5
Pour in crushed tomatoes, season with salt and pepper, and simmer 8 minutes until sauce thickens.
Step 6
While sauce simmers, crisp a small mound of remaining Parmesan in a dry skillet until golden and lacy, 2–3 minutes.
Step 7
Slide meatballs and sauce onto a plate, top with crispy Parmesan wafer, and serve immediately.
Tools you’ll need
- medium mixing bowl
- large skillet (10–12 inch)
- small skillet (6–8 inch)
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