A rustic plate of meatballs in marinara sauce, garnished with fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese.

Meatball Marinara Sauce

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Craving a hearty, comforting meal? This Homemade Meatball Marinara Sauce is your answer! Juicy, tender meatballs simmered in a rich, flavorful marinara sauce make for the ultimate family dinner. Whether served over spaghetti, layered in a meatball sub, or enjoyed on their own, this recipe guarantees a crowd-pleaser every time.

With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can skip the jarred sauce and make a restaurant-quality meal at home. Plus, we’ve included tips for making perfectly juicy meatballs and variations to suit every taste. Let’s get cooking!

How to Make the Best Homemade Meatball Marinara Sauce

Servings: 4–6
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

Ingredients for Meatballs:

  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef
  • 1/2 lb (225g) ground pork
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup chopped parsley
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Ingredients for Marinara Sauce:

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Meatballs:
    • In a large bowl, mix the ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
    • Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
  2. Cook the Meatballs:
    • Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
    • Brown the meatballs on all sides (about 5 minutes). Remove and set aside.
  3. Make the Marinara Sauce:
    • In the same skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil. Add the onion and garlic, sautéing until fragrant.
    • Stir in the crushed tomatoes, basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 10 minutes.
  4. Simmer the Meatballs in Sauce:
    • Gently add the meatballs to the marinara sauce. Cover and simmer for 20–25 minutes until fully cooked.
    • Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  5. Serve:
    • Serve over spaghetti, in a sub roll, or with garlic bread. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil.

Tips for Success

  • For Juicier Meatballs: Add a splash of milk to the mixture or use a mix of beef and pork.
  • Sauce Consistency: For a smoother sauce, blend the marinara before adding meatballs.
  • Make It Spicy: Add more red pepper flakes for heat.

Variations

  • Turkey or Chicken Meatballs: Swap ground beef with lean ground turkey or chicken.
  • Cheesy Option: Stuff each meatball with a small cube of mozzarella before cooking.
  • Vegetarian Alternative: Use plant-based meatballs or roasted vegetables.

Storage and Reheating

  • Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Freezer: Freeze meatballs and sauce separately for up to 3 months.
  • Reheat: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed.

We’d love to hear from you! Did you try this recipe? Leave a rating and comment below to let us know how it turned out. Don’t forget to share your creations on social media using #QuicyRecipes!

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