Classic Italian Meatballs Recipe with Homemade Marinara Sauce

Hi there, food lover! 👋 Ready to dive into a comforting, heartwarming dish straight from the heart of Italy? 🇮🇹 Let’s journey together into the kitchen for one of the most beloved, timeless meals ever created — Classic Italian Meatballs with Homemade Marinara Sauce. 🍝✨

This dish has been a Sunday staple in Italian households for generations, lovingly simmered on stovetops as families gather around. The aroma of garlic, herbs, and rich tomato sauce filling the air is pure magic — a true symbol of warmth, family, and togetherness. ❤️ Whether you serve it over spaghetti, tuck it into a crusty roll for a meatball sub, or enjoy it with just a slice of fresh bread to soak up the sauce, this recipe never fails to bring joy.

Get your apron on, because today, we’ll recreate this traditional favorite the authentic way — tender meatballs simmered in a luscious, slow-cooked marinara sauce. The secret? A gentle hand when mixing the meat, and patience while the sauce develops its deep, rustic flavor. Let’s cook with love and tradition! 🍅🧄🍷

Ingredients:

For the Meatballs:

1 lb (450 g) ground beef
1/2 lb (225 g) ground pork
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Italian-style)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup whole milk
1 large egg
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp dried oregano
Olive oil, for frying

For the Marinara Sauce:

2 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp dried oregano
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

🥄 Step-by-Step Directions:

Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef and pork. Add breadcrumbs, Parmesan, parsley, minced garlic, milk, egg, salt, pepper, and oregano. Gently mix everything together using your hands — but don’t overmix! Overworking the meat can make the meatballs tough instead of tender.

Step 2: Shape the Meatballs

Roll the mixture into balls about the size of a golf ball (around 1.5 inches). Place them on a plate or tray lined with parchment paper.

Step 3: Brown the Meatballs

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches and cook until browned on all sides — about 5–7 minutes. They don’t need to be cooked through yet; just get that lovely golden crust. Once browned, transfer them to a plate and set aside.

Step 4: Make the Marinara Sauce

In the same skillet (don’t wash it — those browned bits add flavor!), add a bit more olive oil if needed. Sauté the chopped onion until translucent, then stir in the garlic for about 30 seconds. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, red pepper flakes, dried basil, and oregano. Stir well, scraping up any bits from the pan. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 5: Simmer to Perfection

Reduce the heat to low and carefully return the browned meatballs to the sauce. Cover and let everything simmer gently for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce will thicken beautifully and the meatballs will soak up all that rich, tangy flavor.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Serve these hearty Italian meatballs over spaghetti, on a sandwich, or simply in a bowl with extra sauce and a sprinkle of fresh Parmesan. Garnish with basil leaves and drizzle with a touch of olive oil for that final authentic touch. Buon appetito! 🍝✨

🍅 Nutritional Information:

⏰ Prep Time: 20 minutes
🔥 Cooking Time: 45 minutes
⏳ Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
⚡ Calories per serving: ~420 kcal
🍽️ Servings: 4

Protein: 28 g
Carbohydrates: 15 g
Fat: 28 g
Fiber: 3 g
Sugar: 6 g
Sodium: 480 mg
Cholesterol: 95 mg

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Bon appétit and happy cooking! 👩🍳🍽️