Greek Soutzoukakia meatballs baked in tomato sauce

Meatballs the world over are comfort food. These Greek soutzoukakia baked meatballs in tomato sauce are total comfort food to me. Beaked in a rich aromatic tomato sauce the meatballs are tender and packed with flavour.

Greek soutsoukakia baked meatballs in tomato sauce

A Greek classic, these soutsoukakia (meatballs baked in a tomato (or red) sauce) are found in every taverna from Athens to the smallest Greek island.

Meatballs are popular the world over and in Greece there are a number of different ways to serve them but this rich and aromatic tomato sauce dish is a real classic and so easy to make.

Meatballs

Meatballs are just another great way to use that old classic mince (ground beef) and always a great way to get kids to eat it. Whether you use beef mince or lamb mince it really makes no difference just a case of personal taste and what you happen to have to hand.

Another option is using a mixture of beef and lamb mince. This is often sold in the supermarkets in Greece and popular for making all sorts of meatballs as it gives a good depth of flavour.

There is cinnamon in this recipe which is very much a Greek thing along with the use of dried oregano which is in the sauce. These two ingredients really do say Greek cooking to me.

Pro tip for Greek meatballs

It’s the day old bread soaked in milk that binds these soutzoukakia together! You don’t use breadcrumbs to hold them together.

The traditional Greek recipe calls for milk-soaked bread. These meatballs are so juicy and tender, you’ll always be using milk-soaked bread from now on!

How many will this meatballs recipe serve?

This recipe for meatballs in tomato sauce will serve 4 people if you are serving them alongside fried potatoes, pasta or rice.

How to serve Greek meatballs in tomato sauce

Well, if you are in a taverna in Greece it is pretty much a given that these soutzoukakia meatballs will come with chips. Practically everything does!

However, they are great served on a bed of rice or with couscous too.

They are just as good served on their own with a chunk of bread to sop up that rich and aromatic sauce. How do you like to serve meatballs?

Can you freeze these meatballs?

Yes, they will freeze well in a freezer-proof box for up to 3 months. Defrost thoroughly before reheating and serve them piping hot

It is comfort food Mediterranean style, easy to make and packed with flavour.

Kali Orexi!

Looking for more great recipes using mince? Then check these out;

Greek fried meatballs (Keftedes)

Minced beef with courgettes (zucchini) and hummus

Greek lamb stuffed cabbage leaves

Greek pastitsio (Greek lasagne)

Finally, if you do try this recipe don’t forget to leave a comment/star rating below as I just love to hear from readers. Want more Larder Love? Then follow me on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter and sign up for my newsletter too of course.