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Homemade Italian Meatballs in Marinara Sauce

A comforting dish of meatballs simmered in a rich marinara sauce, perfect for family gatherings and cozy dinners.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 12 meatballs
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Meatball Mixture
  • 1 pound Ground Beef For a traditional flavor; swap with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
  • 1 cup Breadcrumbs Preferably homemade; panko adds a delightful crunch.
  • ½ cup Parmesan Cheese (grated) Can be substituted with Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor.
  • 2 cloves Garlic (minced) Fresh garlic is ideal; use garlic powder in a pinch, but fresh is best!
  • 1 small Onion (finely chopped) Sweetens the meatballs; shallots are a lovely alternative.
  • 1 large Egg Binds mixture; can use flaxseed meal with water as a vegan option.
  • ¼ cup Fresh Parsley (chopped) Brightens the dish; basil can be a flavorful substitute.
  • 2 cups Marinara Sauce Quality sauce elevates the dish; homemade is best.
  • to taste Salt and Pepper Essential for seasoning; consider Italian herbs for added authenticity.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped onion, egg, and parsley. Season generously with salt and pepper. Mix until combined but avoid overmixing.
  2. With clean hands, form the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs, approximately 1.5 inches in diameter, yielding around 12-16 meatballs.
Cooking
  1. Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches without overcrowding the pan. Sear until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes.
  2. Once browned, gently add the marinara sauce, ensuring the meatballs are submerged. Lower heat and let simmer for about 20 minutes.
  3. When cooked through and the sauce is bubbly, serve hot. Garnish with extra parsley and grated Parmesan.

Notes

For healthier options, use lean ground meat or add grated vegetables. For seasonal variations, try adding chopped spinach. Consider a splash of red wine in the sauce for added flavor.