Description
A beef meatballs in marinara sauce recipe is a savory main course featuring seasoned balls of ground beef gently browned and cooked inside a simple, garlic-infused tomato sauce. The meat mixture typically incorporates breadcrumbs, milk, eggs, garlic, fresh parsley, dried herbs, and grated cheese. These elements work together to ensure the finished shapes remain moist and structural as they bubble on the stove.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Meatballs
- 500 g ground beef
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil, for frying
For the Marinara Sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 800 g canned crushed tomatoes
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp sugar, optional
- ½ tsp salt, or to taste
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup water or beef stock
- Fresh basil, for garnish
- Grated Parmesan, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the meatball mixture:
Combine the breadcrumbs and milk in a bowl and let them sit for 2–3 minutes. Add the ground beef, egg, garlic, Parmesan, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined. - Shape the meatballs:
Form the mixture into approximately 16–20 meatballs, about 4–5 cm in diameter. Avoid packing them too tightly. - Brown the meatballs:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs and brown them on all sides for about 5–7 minutes. They do not need to be fully cooked at this stage. Remove and set aside. - Make the marinara sauce:
In the same skillet, add the onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Stir in the tomato paste. - Add the tomatoes:
Add the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, sugar if using, salt, pepper, and water or beef stock. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer. - Cook the meatballs in the sauce:
Return the browned meatballs to the skillet. Cover and simmer over low heat for 20–25 minutes, turning the meatballs occasionally, until completely cooked through. - Serve:
Garnish with fresh basil and grated Parmesan. Serve hot with spaghetti, crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables.
Notes
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4–5 meatballs with sauce
- Calories: 520 kcal