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Italian Meatballs with Marinara

Italian Meatballs with Marinara
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Italian Meatballs with Marinara combine tender, juicy meatballs made from a blend of ground beef and pork with a fresh, vibrant homemade marinara sauce. This comforting classic is easy to prepare, family-friendly, and perfect for a quick yet flavorful meal that can be served on pasta, in sandwiches, or as appetizers.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatball Ingredients

  • 1/2 lb ground beef
  • 1/2 lb ground pork
  • 3/4 cup bread crumbs (use gluten-free if needed)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Marinara Sauce Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 28 oz crushed tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Pinch of sugar

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef and pork with bread crumbs, grated Parmesan, finely chopped onion and garlic, fresh parsley, beaten egg, salt, and pepper. Mix gently but thoroughly until the ingredients are just combined to ensure the meatballs remain tender.
  2. Shape the Meatballs: Using your hands or a small scoop, form the mixture into evenly sized meatballs, about 1.5 inches in diameter, to guarantee even cooking.
  3. Brown the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Carefully place the meatballs in the pan and brown them on all sides, approximately 5-7 minutes total. Browning develops a flavorful crust.
  4. Make the Marinara Sauce: In a separate pot, sauté chopped onion and garlic in olive oil until fragrant. Add crushed tomatoes, fresh basil, salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar. Let the sauce simmer gently to develop rich, layered flavors.
  5. Simmer Meatballs in Marinara: Transfer the browned meatballs into the simmering marinara sauce. Cover and cook on low heat for 20-25 minutes to cook the meatballs through and allow them to absorb the sauce’s flavors.
  6. Serve and Enjoy: Once cooked, garnish the meatballs with freshly chopped basil or parsley. Serve hot with your preferred side, like pasta, bread, or polenta.

Notes

  • Don’t overmix the meat mixture to avoid dense, tough meatballs.
  • Ensure uniform meatball sizes for even cooking.
  • Use fresh herbs to brighten and authentically flavor the dish.
  • Simmer the sauce and meatballs slowly for tender texture and melded flavors.
  • Allow meatballs to rest a few minutes after cooking for juicier bites.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://ninagourmet.com/italian-meatballs-with-marinara/