Italian Meatballs in Marinara Sauce

Imagine biting into a savory Italian meatball, perfectly seasoned and smothered in rich marinara sauce. Each morsel bursts with flavor, offering a delicate balance of beef, herbs, and cheese that will transport you straight to a cozy Italian trattoria. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply enjoying a comforting weeknight dinner, these meatballs are a crowd-pleaser, appealing to both young and old alike.

As you prepare this dish, you’ll savor the delightful aromas wafting through your kitchen, awakening your senses and making your mouth water in anticipation. This article will guide you through the simple steps of making these classic meatballs, along with tips for serving and storing them, ensuring your cooking experience is as pleasurable as the meal itself. Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Fresh Ingredients: Made with wholesome ingredients that bring out their natural flavors.
2. Ease of Preparation: A straightforward recipe that anyone can follow, regardless of skill level.
3. Nutrition: Packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals from fresh herbs and lean beef.
4. Versatility: Perfect with pasta, on subs, or enjoyed on their own.
5. Presentation: Visually stunning when plated, making your meal feel special.

You’ll love serving these meatballs to family and friends!

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total time: 40-50 minutes
• Preparation time: 15 minutes
• Cooking time: 25-30 minutes

Ingredients You’ll Need

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• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 cups marinara sauce

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, onion, garlic, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
2. Form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
3. In a large skillet, heat marinara sauce over medium heat.
4. Add the meatballs to the sauce, cover, and simmer for 25-30 minutes until cooked through, stirring occasionally.
5. Serve hot with pasta, bread, or on their own.

How to Serve

1. Presentation: Serve meatballs in a bowl with sauce generously on top.
2. Accompaniments: Pair with spaghetti, garlic bread, or a crisp salad.
3. Portions: Serve 3-4 meatballs per person for a hearty meal.
4. Beverage pairing: A glass of red wine or sparkling water complements the flavors beautifully.

Enjoy the feast with good company!

Additional Tips

• Enhance flavor by adding Italian seasoning or crushed red pepper to the meat mixture.
• Customize your meatballs by swapping ground beef for turkey or chicken.
• Serve accompanied by fresh basil or grated cheese for added flair.

Recipe Variations

1. BBQ Meatballs: Substitute marinara with your favorite barbecue sauce for a smoky flavor.
2. Greek-Style Meatballs: Add feta cheese, mint, and oregano for a Mediterranean twist.
3. Veggie Meatballs: Use lentils or quinoa instead of meat for a vegetarian option.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Keep cooked meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: Place cooked meatballs in single layers in a freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months.

Special Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Skillet
• Baking sheet
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cooking spoon
• Food storage containers

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen ingredients?
Yes, you can use frozen ground beef and allow it to thaw before mixing.

2. Are these meatballs healthy?
Yes, they are a great source of protein, and made with fresh ingredients.

3. Can I make them ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare them a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator.

4. How can I customize the meatballs?
Feel free to mix in different herbs, spices, or cheese to suit your taste.

5. Can these be cooked differently?
Yes, they can be baked in the oven or cooked in a slow cooker if you prefer.

Conclusion

These Italian meatballs in marinara sauce are not just easy to make; they are bursting with flavor and nutrition! Perfect for any gathering or cozy family dinner, they ensure satisfaction with every bite. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and treat yourself and your loved ones to a delicious homemade dish that everyone will enjoy!

Italian Meatballs

Delicious homemade Italian meatballs packed with flavor, perfect for a cozy meal or gathering.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 350

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the meatballs

• 1 lb ground beef Lean ground beef works best.
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs Use plain or seasoned breadcrumbs.
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese Freshly grated is preferable.
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley Fresh parsley enhances the flavor.
• 1/4 cup chopped onion White or yellow onions can be used.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced Adjust to taste.
• 1 large egg Bind the meat mixture together.
• 1 tsp salt Adjust as preferred.
• 1/2 tsp black pepper Freshly ground is ideal.

For the sauce

• 2 cups marinara sauce Store-bought or homemade.

Method

 

Preparation

1. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, onion, garlic, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
2. Form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.

Cooking

1. In a large skillet, heat marinara sauce over medium heat.
2. Add the meatballs to the sauce, cover, and simmer for 25-30 minutes until cooked through, stirring occasionally.
3. Serve hot with pasta, bread, or on their own.

Notes

Serve meatballs with sauce generously on top and pair with spaghetti, garlic bread, or a crisp salad for a hearty meal.