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Classic Italian Meatballs in Marinara Sauce

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Tender, juicy meatballs simmered in a robust homemade marinara sauce—perfect with crusty bread or pasta for an authentic Italian comfort meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (or half beef, half pork)
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • For the Marinara Sauce:
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, mix together breadcrumbs and milk. Let soak for 5 minutes.
  2. Add ground meat, egg, Parmesan, garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
  3. Roll into 1.5-inch balls.
  4. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Brown meatballs on all sides, then remove and set aside.
  5. For the sauce, heat oil in a pot. Sauté onion until translucent, add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
  6. Pour in crushed tomatoes, sugar, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
  7. Add meatballs to the sauce, cover, and simmer for 25–30 minutes, until fully cooked through.
  8. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with bread or over spaghetti.

Notes

  • Use a mix of ground beef and pork for richer flavor.
  • Can be made ahead and frozen with sauce for easy future meals.
  • Adjust herbs and spices to suit your taste.

Nutrition

Keywords: Italian meatballs, marinara sauce, meatball recipe, comfort food, spaghetti and meatballs

Find it online: https://epicrecipebox.com/classic-italian-meatballs-in-marinara-sauce/