Savory Homemade Meatballs with Marinara Sauce Recipe

Are you ready to elevate your weeknight dinners? These homemade meatballs with marinara sauce will do just that! Imagine juicy, flavorful meatballs that are so versatile they can be served with pasta, rice, or loaded onto sub rolls for delicious sandwiches. This recipe is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to prepare and bake meatballs, then simmer them in marinara sauce, making them ready when you are.

Try beef and turkey meatballs for variety.

The best part is, you can store these delightful meatballs in the fridge or freezer, so you’re always just a few steps away from a hearty meal. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just for yourself, this recipe is simple, satisfying, and incredibly delicious.

Pair with zoodles for a low-carb option.

The Ultimate Homemade Meatballs with Marinara Sauce

Savory Homemade Meatballs with Marinara Sauce Recipe

Recipe by Meal Prep ChefCourse: Family Meal PrepCuisine: Italian-Inspired, Comfort FoodDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

30

minutes

Calories

350

kcal

These homemade meatballs are flavorful, tender, and smothered in a rich marinara sauce. Bursting with Italian herbs and spices, they offer a comforting taste that pairs wonderfully with various sides, making them a perfect addition to any meal plan.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)

• 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 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 2 cups marinara sauce

• Cooked pasta, rice, or sub rolls for serving

Directions

• Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, onion, garlic, egg, salt, pepper, and oregano. Mix until well combined.
• Form Meatballs: Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Bake Meatballs: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through and browned.
• Simmer in Marinara: In a large skillet, heat the marinara sauce over medium heat. Once the meatballs are done baking, transfer them to the skillet and let them simmer for about 10 minutes.
• Serve: Serve the meatballs hot over pasta, rice, or in sub rolls. Enjoy!

Key Prep Tips

1. Mix Gently: Combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, eggs, and seasonings gently to avoid overworking, which can make meatballs dense.
2. Uniform Sizes: Use a scoop or your hands to form evenly sized meatballs to ensure consistent cooking.
3. Sear for Flavor: Brown the meatballs in a skillet before adding them to the marinara sauce for a richer taste.
4. Simmer in Sauce: Cook the meatballs in marinara sauce for at least 20-30 minutes to let them absorb the flavors and stay moist.

Suggested Variations

• Protein Options: Use ground beef, pork, turkey, chicken, or a mix for different flavor profiles.
• Cheese Addition: Mix Parmesan or mozzarella into the meatball mixture for a cheesy twist.
• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or diced chili to the meat mixture for heat.
• Vegetarian Version: Replace meat with lentils, chickpeas, or plant-based crumbles.

Serving Suggestions

• Classic Pairing: Serve over spaghetti or any pasta of your choice for a comforting family meal.
• As a Sub: Use in meatball subs with melted provolone and toasted buns for a hearty sandwich.
• Appetizer Option: Serve on skewers with marinara dipping sauce for parties.
• Beverages: Pair with a full-bodied red wine, iced tea, or sparkling water with a splash of lemon.
• Presentation: Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan and chopped basil for a polished finish.