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Delicious Classic Meatballs Recipe with Easy Homemade Marinara Sauce

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A classic Italian-inspired recipe featuring juicy, tender meatballs made from a blend of beef and pork, simmered in a rich, homemade marinara sauce. Perfect for family dinners and casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for juiciness)
  • 1/2 lb ground pork
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian-seasoned)
  • 1/4 cup whole milk
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano (optional)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil (extra virgin)
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, whole milk, beaten egg, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped fresh parsley, salt, black pepper, and dried oregano. Mix gently with your hands until just combined, about 3-5 minutes.
  2. Shape the mixture into evenly sized meatballs about 1.5 inches in diameter, yielding around 18-20 meatballs. Set aside on a plate.
  3. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs in batches, about 5 minutes total per batch, turning to brown all sides. Remove browned meatballs to a plate.
  4. In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp olive oil if needed. Sauté diced onion over medium heat until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Pour in crushed tomatoes. Stir in sugar, salt, black pepper, dried basil, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes if using. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat to low, and cook gently for 10 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
  6. Nestle browned meatballs into the simmering marinara sauce. Cover and cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until meatballs are cooked through.
  7. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Notes

Do not overmix the meat to avoid tough meatballs. Brown meatballs first to seal in juices and add flavor. Use plain breadcrumbs for best texture or almond flour for gluten-free. Simmer sauce low and slow to thicken and develop flavor. If sauce is too thick, add water or broth; if too thin, simmer longer uncovered.

Nutrition

Keywords: meatballs, classic meatballs, homemade marinara, Italian recipe, easy dinner, family meal, comfort food

Find it online: https://blairrecipes.com/delicious-classic-meatballs-recipe-with-easy-homemade-marinara-sauce/