Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsLeñaAlbondigas Recipe

Albondigas Recipe

Inspired by Leña
Time1h
Serves4

braised meatballs, tomato

Was this page helpful?

Help improve this recipe for others.

Send this recipe to your inbox.

We'll email it straight to you - plus weekly cooking inspiration.

Ingredients

Some product links may be affiliates. If you buy through them, you're supporting the site and Pekin may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Meatballs

Tomato Sauce

Method

Preparing the Meatballs

  1. 1

    Mix the Ingredients

    In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, chopped onion, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.

  2. 2

    Form the Meatballs

    Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 2 inches in diameter. Set aside.

Cooking the Meatballs

  1. 3

    Brown the Meatballs

    In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, browning them on all sides. Remove and set aside.

Making the Tomato Sauce

  1. 4

    Sauté the Aromatics

    In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Add minced garlic and chopped onion. Sauté until the onion is translucent.

  2. 5

    Add the Tomatoes

    Stir in the canned crushed tomatoes, paprika, sugar, salt, black pepper, and bay leaf. Bring to a simmer.

Combining and Braising

  1. 6

    Combine Meatballs and Sauce

    Return the meatballs to the skillet. Cover and let simmer for about 25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

  2. 7

    Finish with Parsley

    Before serving, stir in the chopped parsley and remove the bay leaf.

More from Leña