Description
A comforting recipe for easy Italian meatballs paired with a vibrant homemade marinara sauce, perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb ground pork
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (gluten-free if desired)
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup grated cheese (Parmesan or Pecorino)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 cans (28 oz each) crushed tomatoes
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinara Sauce: Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and finely chopped onions, sautéing until soft and fragrant. Pour in crushed tomatoes, season with salt, pepper, and dried herbs. Let it simmer while you prepare the meatballs.
- Make the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground meats, breadcrumbs, grated cheese, minced garlic, fresh parsley, and eggs. Season with salt and pepper, mixing gently by hand until just combined. Shape the mixture into golf-ball-sized meatballs.
- Cook the Meatballs: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and gently add meatballs, searing them on all sides until golden brown.
- Combine with Marinara: Once browned, transfer meatballs to the simmering marinara sauce. Cover gently and let cook for about 20–30 minutes.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the meatballs hot over pasta, in a sub, or on their own. Garnish with fresh basil and additional parmesan.
Notes
Chilling the meatballs for 30 minutes before cooking can help maintain their shape. Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 meatballs
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 160mg
Keywords: Italian, meatballs, marinara sauce, comfort food, family recipe, easy recipe