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Homemade Italian Meatballs in Rich Marinara Sauce Recipe

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4.4 from 15 reviews

This Homemade Meatballs Recipe combines Italian sausage, ground beef, and a blend of flavorful herbs and spices to create tender, juicy meatballs. Baked to perfection and simmered in a rich, homemade marinara sauce, these meatballs are a comforting and versatile dish perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Meatballs

  • ½ cup plain breadcrumbs (70g)
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan (50g)
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp Italian seasoning
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
  • 2 large eggs
  • ¼ cup whole milk (4 oz.)
  • 1 lb. bulk Italian sausage (454g)
  • 1 lb. ground beef (454g)

Marinara Sauce

  • 1 small yellow onion
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil
  • 2 Tbsp tomato paste
  • 28 oz. crushed tomatoes (1 can)
  • ½ tsp dried basil
  • ½ tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp brown sugar (optional)
  • 1 tsp salt (or to taste)

Instructions

  1. Mix breadcrumb mixture: In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. In another small bowl, lightly whisk the eggs.
  2. Combine meatball ingredients: In a large bowl, add the breadcrumb mixture, whisked eggs, milk, bulk Italian sausage, and ground beef. Use your hands to gently mix everything until just combined, being careful not to overmix to keep the meatballs tender.
  3. Rest the mixture: Allow the mixture to rest for five minutes so the breadcrumbs can soften and fully absorb the moisture.
  4. Shape meatballs: Divide the mixture into about 32 equal portions, shaping each into a roughly 2 tablespoon-sized ball.
  5. Oven cooking method: Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the meatballs approximately one inch apart on the sheet. Bake for 15 minutes until lightly browned.
  6. Simmer in sauce (oven method): Transfer the browned meatballs into a pot of simmering marinara sauce and cook for an additional five minutes to finish cooking and infuse flavor. If not using sauce, bake the meatballs 3-5 minutes longer or until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F.
  7. Stovetop cooking method: Heat 1 tablespoon of cooking oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add half of the meatballs and cook, turning frequently every couple of minutes, until browned on all sides and cooked through (160°F internal temperature). Repeat with the remaining meatballs.
  8. Simmer in sauce (stovetop method): Transfer cooked meatballs to a pot of marinara sauce and simmer for a few more minutes to combine flavors before serving.
  9. Prepare marinara sauce: Dice the onion and mince the garlic. Heat olive oil in a sauce pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté until onions are soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
  10. Add tomato paste: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring often until the paste darkens slightly.
  11. Combine remaining sauce ingredients: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, then add dried basil, oregano, brown sugar (if using), and salt. Stir thoroughly, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
  12. Simmer sauce: Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, reduce heat to medium-low, partially cover, and cook for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  13. Taste and adjust seasoning: After simmering, taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with additional salt or sugar if it tastes too sharp. Simmer longer if needed.
  14. Serve: Add the cooked meatballs into the sauce and simmer for a few final minutes to ensure they are fully cooked through and infused with sauce flavor. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

  • Do not overmix the meat mixture to keep meatballs tender.
  • Meatballs should reach an internal temperature of 160°F to be safely cooked.
  • Brown sugar in the sauce is optional but helps to balance tomato acidity.
  • Meatballs can be cooked entirely in the oven or on the stovetop depending on preference.
  • Allow meatballs to rest after forming to improve texture.

Find it online: https://bitezly.com/homemade-italian-meatballs-in-rich-marinara-sauce-recipe/