Meatballs come in so many flavors, and these Sofrito Meatballs and sauce do not disappoint! They're bursting with traditional Puerto Rican flavors, and you'll be making them again and again!
What is Sofrito Sauce Used For?
Sofrito is the base for much of Puerto Rican cuisine. It is made from garlic, onion, peppers, culantro, and cilantro. Some Puerto Rican households may have a slighty different spin on it, but that's usually the basic ingredients.
What flavor is Sofrito?
Sofrito has a strong taste of garlic, and also cilantro. If you've had Puerto Rican food, chances are you've had sofrito even if you didn't know it!
Why this Puerto Rican Meatball Recipe is so Good!
- I love that this recipe is so clean and healthy! It's made from all whole food ingredients, with no sugar, soy, or gluten added!
- It's wildly flavorful.
- It's not your traditional meatball recipe, and there aren't many recipes of this flavor available online!
Is Sofrito Mexican or Puerto Rican?
The sofrito I've used here is definitely a Puerto Rican style. However, many Caribbean cultures may have their own twist on it.
There are some Mexican sofrito recipes, though it's mostly the islands, especially Puerto Rico that uses it.
How to Serve Sofrito Meatballs
To Keep the meal clean and gluten free, serve them with spaghetti squash! It goes so well with the sofrito sauce.
Another delicious option is to stuff the meatballs into baked sweet potatoes. So yummy!
Alternatively serve them with gluten free pasta!
Ingredients You'll Need for Sofrito Meatballs
- Ground Beef
- Adobo
- Sazon
- Cassava Flour
- Egg
- Tomato Sauce
- Sofrito
- Sazon
- Adobo
- Almond Milk
Note that Sazon and Adobo seasonings typically contain salt, so if you need salt free seasonings, check these out!
Directions
Mix the meatball mixture together. Form into small meatballs and set aside.
In a large skillet or saucepan, mix together the sauce ingredients and heat over medium heat.
Add the meatballs to the sauce and cook in a light simmer for 10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Serve and enjoy!
Sofrito Meatballs and Sauce
Equipment
- 1 large mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons
- can opener
- measuring cup
- Large Skillet or Dutch Oven
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ Tbsp. adobo
- ½ Tbsp. sazon
- 2 Tbsp. cassava flour
- 1 egg
Sauce
- 28 oz can tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
- 3 Tbsp. sofrito
- 1 Tbsp. sazon
- 1 Tbsp. adobo
- 1 cup almond milk dairy is fine if not Whole30
- 2.5 oz. Spanish olives drained, optional
- 1 Tbsp. Tomato Paste optional, to thicken the sauce
Instructions
- In a medium size mixing bowl, mix together the meatball ingredients by hand. Divide the dough into golf ball sized pieces and roll into balls. Set aside.
- Thoroughly mix the sauce ingredients over medium heat and bring to a light simmer.
- Add in the meatballs and coat in the sauce. Cook for approximately 10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Add the olives and tomato paste to the pan if using. Stir to mix, and let them heat through.
- Serve and enjoy!
More Clean Puerto Rican Recipes You'll Love
Did you make these meatballs? Leave me a comment below and let me know how you served them!
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