I’ve made these masala meatballs in tomato curry sauce more times than I can count lately, and they’ve quietly worked their way to the top of my comfort food list. The meatballs turn out incredibly juicy, and as they simmer in that thick, spiced tomato sauce, they soak up every bit of flavor. It’s one of those dishes that tastes far more impressive than the effort it actually takes.
The recipe of Masala Meatballs in Tomato Curry Sauce itself is straightforward, but it always feels special when it lands on the table. It’s perfect for evenings when the whole family sits down together or for cold weekends when you want something cozy and filling without spending hours in the kitchen. I usually serve it over fluffy basmati rice or with warm naan for scooping up the sauce. My son genuinely fights for the leftovers every time. If you’re craving something that really warms you up, this one’s worth making.
Why You’ll Love This
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Juicy meatballs cooked in a rich, spiced tomato curry
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Comforting and filling without being complicated
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Works well with rice, naan, or roti
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Great for family dinners or special meals
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Easy to adjust the spice level to your taste
Masala Meatballs in Tomato Curry Sauce
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
- 400 g ground beef or chicken 14 oz
- 70 g onion finely chopped (1 small onion)
- 8 g garlic minced (2 cloves)
- 5 g grated ginger 1 teaspoon
- 2.5 g garam masala 1 teaspoon
- 1.25 g cumin powder ½ teaspoon
- 1.25 g chili powder ½ teaspoon
- 15 g breadcrumbs 2 tablespoons
- 1 large egg
- Salt to taste
For the Sauce
- 15 ml oil
- 70 g onion chopped (1 small onion)
- 8 g garlic minced (2 cloves)
- 2.5 g curry powder 1 teaspoon
- 400 g canned tomatoes 14 oz
- 100 ml coconut milk or cream ⅓ cup
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh coriander for garnish as needed
Instructions
- Mix all meatball ingredients, form into 12 small balls.
- Heat oil in a pan, sear meatballs until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, add onion and garlic. Cook 3–4 min until soft.
- Add curry powder, stir 30 sec, then pour in tomatoes and coconut milk.
- Simmer 5 min, then return meatballs to the pan.
- Cook covered for 10–12 min until sauce thickens and meatballs are cooked through.
- Garnish with coriander and serve with rice, naan, or spaghetti.
Notes
- Use chicken, beef, or lamb mince depending on preference.
- Coconut milk can be replaced with fresh cream for a richer sauce.
- Breadcrumbs can be swapped with soaked bread or oat flour.
- Do not overmix the meatball mixture; it keeps them tender.
- Lightly oil your hands while shaping the meatballs to prevent sticking.
- Brown the meatballs well before adding them to the sauce for better flavor.
- Meatballs can be shaped and refrigerated up to 24 hours ahead.
- The cooked dish keeps well in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water if needed.
- Serve with steamed rice, naan, or roti.
- Add a simple salad or raita on the side for balance.
- Sprinkle fresh coriander just before serving.
- Add a pinch of smoked paprika for extra depth.
- Stir in spinach at the end for added greens.
- Finish with a squeeze of lemon for brightness.
Nutrition
FAQs
Can I make Masala Meatballs in Tomato Curry Sauce with chicken instead of beef?
Yes. Chicken mince works very well and makes the dish lighter. Just avoid overcooking to keep the meatballs juicy.
Can I bake the meatballs instead of frying them?
Yes. Bake them at 200°C / 400°F for about 15–18 minutes, then add them to the sauce to finish cooking.
Is this dish very spicy?
It’s moderately spiced. You can reduce or skip the chili powder to make it milder.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes. The curry tastes even better the next day. Store it in the fridge and reheat gently before serving.
What can I serve with Masala Meatballs in Tomato Curry Sauce?
They pair well with steamed rice, cumin rice, naan, roti, or even plain bread.
Can I freeze masala meatballs in tomato curry sauce?
Yes. Let the curry cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
If you loved Masala Meatballs in Tomato Curry Sauce, enjoy it with my Cumin Rice (Jeera Rice), Jowar Roti, and a simple salad for a complete, comforting meal.
If you try Masala Meatballs in Tomato Curry Sauce, let me know how it went in the comments. And if you enjoy Indian and Indian-inspired cooking, follow Beyond Chutney for more:
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