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–+ servings

Meatballs in Marinara Sauce

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A comforting classic dish of meatballs in rich marinara sauce that's a family favorite, perfect for weeknight dinners.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 500
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the meatballs
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 or 85/15) This balance offers great flavor and moisture.
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian) Can substitute gluten-free panko if needed.
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese Adds umami and helps bind the meatballs.
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley Alternatively, use 2 tablespoons of dried parsley.
  • 1 large egg Essential for holding the meatballs together.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced Or 1 teaspoon of garlic powder for convenience.
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt Start with this amount and adjust to taste.
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper Begin with this and modify as preferred.
For the sauce
  • 1 jar marinara sauce (24 oz) Use store-bought for convenience or homemade if preferred.
  • 1 cup beef broth Opt for chicken or vegetable broth for a lighter flavor.
  • Olive oil For frying the meatballs.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, minced garlic, egg, salt, and pepper. Use your hands for the best results—just don’t overmix.
  2. Shape the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Cooking
  1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs to the pan, cooking them in batches if necessary, until browned on all sides (about 5-7 minutes).
  2. Pour in the beef broth and marinara sauce, then let the mixture simmer for about 20 minutes to meld flavors and cook the meatballs through.
Serving
  1. Once the meatballs are fully cooked, serve them with your preferred accompaniments, such as pasta, bread, or a sprinkle of fresh basil.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 500kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 25gFat: 35gSaturated Fat: 10gSodium: 800mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4g

Notes

For better results, chill the formed meatballs for about 30 minutes before frying to help hold their shape. Experiment with different meats or cheeses for creative twists.
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