Description
A recipe for classic Italian meatballs served in a simple, homemade marinara sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb ground pork
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for browning)
- 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 15 oz can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, milk, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined; do not overmix.
- Roll the meat mixture into 1.5-inch balls. You should have about 18-20 meatballs.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides. You may need to do this in batches. Remove browned meatballs and set aside.
- In the same skillet, combine crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, basil, and sugar. Stir well.
- Return the browned meatballs to the skillet with the sauce.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Serve hot over pasta or as desired.
Notes
- For richer flavor, use a mix of ground beef, pork, and veal.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer uncovered for the last 10 minutes of cooking.
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 40 min
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 meatballs and 1/2 cup sauce
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 12
- Sodium: 550
- Fat: 20
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Unsaturated Fat: 12
- Trans Fat: 0.5
- Carbohydrates: 18
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 25
- Cholesterol: 90
Keywords: Italian meatballs, homemade marinara, beef and pork meatballs, classic Italian sauce