Italian Meatballs with Marinara Sauce: A Classic Comfort Food

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Introduction

If you're looking for the best homemade Italian meatballs, you've come to the right place! These tender, juicy meatballs are slow-simmered in a rich marinara sauce, bringing out deep, authentic flavors. Whether you serve them over spaghetti, in a meatball sub, or as an appetizer, this classic Italian dish is always a hit.

A Brief History of Italian Meatballs

Traditional Italian meatballs, known as "polpette," have been a staple in Italian cuisine for centuries. Unlike their American counterpart, authentic Italian meatballs are often smaller and served as a standalone dish rather than over pasta. However, Italian immigrants in the United States adapted the recipe, pairing meatballs and marinara sauce with pasta, which became the iconic spaghetti and meatballs we know today.

Perfect Occasions for Italian Meatballs

This recipe is great for:

• Weeknight dinners – Easy to make and loved by the whole family.
• Sunday supper – Slow-cooked flavors that feel like home.
• Dinner parties – Impress guests with this homemade Italian classic.
• Game day snacks – Serve them with crusty bread or in sliders for an easy crowd-pleaser.

Best Side Dishes for Italian Meatballs

Pair your Italian meatballs in marinara sauce with these delicious sides:

• Spaghetti – The classic pairing.
• Garlic bread – Perfect for soaking up the sauce.
• Caesar salad – Adds a fresh, crisp contrast.
• Polenta – A creamy and comforting alternative.
• Roasted vegetables – A healthy, flavorful side.

Get ready to enjoy the best homemade Italian meatballs—juicy, flavorful, and simmered to perfection! Let’s dive into the recipe.

 

Italian Meatballs With Marinara Sauce

Italian Meatballs With Marinara Sauce

First Meatball Recipe

Ingredients

1 pound lean ground beef

1 pound Italian ground pork sausage (sweet, mild, or hot)

1 small sweet onion , diced small

4 cloves garlic , minced

1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning

1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

1 large egg

1/2 cup grated parmesan

1 cup panko breadcrumbs

1 & 1/4 cup ricotta cheese

2 teaspoons kosher salt

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Coat 2-3 baking sheets with nonstick cooking spray; set aside.

2. In a large bowl, combine with your hands the beef, pork, onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, parsley, egg, parmesan, breadcrumbs, ricotta, and salt.

3. Using a small cookie scoop, form 1 1/4 inch balls out of the mixture.

4. Place the meatballs on the baking sheets and transfer to the oven and cook for 25 minutes.

5. Remove from oven and combine with spaghetti sauce and pasta.

 

Marinara Sauce:

Ingrediesnts:

1 tbsp olive oil

1 (28-ounce can) crushed tomatoes

1 small onion finely diced (approx 1 cup)

4 cloves garlic minced

1⁄4 teaspoon kosher salt

1 tablespoon fresh thyme chopped

1 tablespoon fresh basil chopped

Instructions:

1. Heat the oil in a medium-sized pot on medium-high heat. Add the onion and sauté for 3-4

minutes until translucent. Add the garlic and sauté for 30 seconds more.

2. Add the can of crushed tomatoes, salt and thyme. (Don't add the basil as it will overcook).

Once the tomatoes have started to boil, reduce the heat to a simmer. Simmer for 20-25 minutes

or until the sauce has slightly thickened.

3. Remove the sauce from the heat, stir in the basil and enjoy.

Final Mix The meatballs with the marinara and cook it at medium low for another 10 minutes.

Serve with you favorite Pasta

Italian Meatballs With Marinara Sauce printable pdf bellow :