Meatballs and marinara are one of the most classic combinations in Italian cuisine. Tender, moist and delicious homemade meatballs with a homemade marinara sauce are perfect to serve with spaghetti or any other type of pasta, delicious to use for meatball sandwiches, and great for an appetizer or snack.
Meatballs are a huge part of classic Italian food, and nothing is more classic than meatballs and sauce. Today, I’m sharing my delicious meatballs and marinara recipe with all of you. It’s one of my family’s most well-loved recipes, and it’s loaded with classic Italian flavor. I’ve been making this recipe since before I had kids. That’s how good it is. When I was single, it made a great versatile dish that I could pair with almost anything. When I had kids, it made a family dinner that would feed us all for a couple of days, which was always a big help with my hectic schedule. The best part is that it’s both homemade and easy.
Meatballs and Marinara
This easy, delicious recipe features ground beef and Italian sausage meatballs that are perfectly seasoned and can be made mild or hot. Then, I make a simple, traditional marinara sauce to bathe those juicy meatballs in. When it’s all said and done. you’ve got a meaty, saucy dish that’s super tasty and so versatile. Use it for spaghetti and meatballs, a twist on lasagna, or as sub sandwiches. There’s so much you can do with it, and it always works.
Why You’ll Love These Meatballs and Marinara
- They’re flavorful, tender, and delicious.
- They’re easy to make and can be used with spaghetti, as meatballs sandwiches, or as an appetizer.
- And, they’re homemade, which makes them even more delicious.
Tips
- To ensure all the ingredients are thoroughly incorporated, mix your meatballs by hand.
- Always wash your hands, workstation, and any utensils or dishes after handling raw meat.
- Be sure you stir your sauce frequently to prevent burning.
Variations
- You can replace the ground beef with ground turkey if you like.
- Try adding a little sugar to the marinara for a sweeter version.
- If you’re pressed for time, you can use frozen Italian meatballs.
Recipe FAQ
What is a good side to go with meatballs?
- Mashed potatoes
- Buttered noodles
- Green beans
- Rice
- Roasted vegetables
- Caesar salad
- Boiled potatoes
- Garlic bread
What do you eat with marinara meatballs?
You can use these marinara meatballs to make:
- Spaghetti and meatballs
- Lasagna and meatballs
- Meatball subs
- Meatball bakes
When are meatballs done?
Meatballs are done when they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees. Checking the temperature is the best and safest method to use.
Will meatballs cook in sauce?
Only if they’re pre-cooked. Frozen, pre-cooked meatballs can be cooked directly in sauce. Raw meatballs should be pan-fried or baked before putting them in the sauce. This avoids both a greasy sauce and the meatballs breaking apart.
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
You sure can. The Italian sausage and seasonings used in the meatballs will keep the flavor nice and bold.
How to Store, Reheat, and Freeze Meatballs and Marinara
Store these meatballs in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them in an airtight, freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag for up to 2 months.
To reheat, place the refrigerated or frozen meatballs and marinara in a pot and heat over medium-low heat until hot.
Meatballs and Marinara Ingredients
You’ll only need simple, basic ingredients to make these delicious meatballs. You’ll find everything you need easily at your local grocery store.
- Lean ground beef
- Italian sausage, hot or mild
- Onions, diced
- Cloves garlic, minced
- Panko bread crumbs
- Large egg
- Milk
- Parsley
- Dried oregano & basil
- Salt & black pepper
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Tomato sauce
- Tomato paste
How to Make Meatballs and Marinara
Making this recipe is a breeze. The meatballs are baked, so there’s no frying or messy cleanup. It only takes a few minutes and a few simple steps.
Step 1: Make the Marinara
Combine all the marinara ingredients in a large Dutch oven. Cover and heat over medium-low heat, stirring frequently.
Step 2: Make the Meatballs
Add all the meatball ingredients to a large bowl and mix with your hands until completely combined. Then, roll the meat mixture into 1 ½-inch balls and place them on a baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes at 350 degrees.
Step 3: Finish the Dish
Place the baked meatballs in the marinara sauce and continue cooking for an additional 30 minutes. Serve however you like and enjoy!
Try These Delicious Meatballs and Marinara Today
This easy, delicious meatballs and marinara recipe is loaded with authentic Italian flavor, not work. The meatballs are baked, so there’s no messy cleanup, and the sauce is incredibly simple to make. From start to finish, it only takes about an hour, and you’ll have a hearty, delicious bowl of meatballs that everyone loves. Give this recipe a try, and I know you’ll find yourself making it again and again.
More Delicious Italian Recipes You’ll Enjoy
Lasagna Soup – This delicious and hearty soup has all the classic flavors we love in lasagna but made into a soup. YUM!
Creamy Tortellini Bake – This scrumptious comfort food recipe is made with two types of sauce, a creamy white Parmesan sauce and a meat sauce, cheese tortellini and shredded mozzarella cheese. Absolutely delicious.
Italian Sausage Bow Tie Pasta – One of the best pasta recipe you can make and definitely one of our favorites. Loaded with Italian sausage, onions, garlic, seasoned perfectly, diced tomatoes, pasta, and lots of mozzarella cheese.
And, here is a delicious and hearty Italian Sausage Penne Casserole from our other blog, Great Grub, Delicious Treats, that you are sure to enjoy as well.
Meatballs and Marinara
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
- 1 pounds lean ground beef
- 1 pound Italian sausage hot or mild
- ½ cup onions diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ⅓ cup Panko bread crumbs
- 1 large egg
- ⅛ cup milk
- 1 ½ teaspoon parsley
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon basil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Marinara Sauce
- 28 ounce tomato sauce
- 12 ounce tomato paste
- 12 ounce water
- 1 ½ teaspoon oregano
- 1 ½ teaspoon basil
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
- In a large Dutch oven, add all marinara ingredients and stir to combine.
- Cover and heat over medium/low heat, stirring frequently.
- In a large bowl, add all meatball ingredients together until combined.
- Roll into 1 ½ inch balls and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 15 minutes then remove from oven and place meatballs into the dutch oven with the marinara sauce.
- Continue cooking meatballs in the sauce for 30 additional minutes.
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