Here’s a classic recipe for Italian Meatballs with Sauce that’s sure to impress! These meatballs are tender, flavorful, and perfect for serving with pasta, in a sub sandwich, or on their own. The accompanying marinara sauce is rich and delicious, making this dish a true Italian favorite.
Best Italian Meatballs with Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Italian seasoned)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (or 2 tablespoons dried parsley)
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes for a bit of heat
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes (or tomato sauce)
- 1 teaspoon sugar (to balance acidity)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
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Make the Meatballs:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, minced garlic, salt, pepper, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
- Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on a baking sheet or plate.
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Brown the Meatballs:
- In a large skillet or frying pan, heat a couple of tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Brown the meatballs on all sides (about 5-7 minutes). They don’t need to be fully cooked through at this point. Remove the browned meatballs and set them aside.
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Make the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes (or tomato sauce), sugar, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and bring the sauce to a simmer.
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Simmer the Meatballs:
- Carefully add the browned meatballs back into the sauce. Cover the skillet and let them simmer in the sauce for about 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce has thickened. Stir occasionally.
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Serve:
- Once cooked, serve the meatballs and sauce over pasta, in a sub sandwich, or on their own. Garnish with fresh basil and additional grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips:
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the meatballs in advance and refrigerate them before cooking. They can also be frozen for later use.
- Sauce Variations: Feel free to add chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or olives to the sauce for extra flavor and texture.
- Serving Suggestions: These meatballs are great served with spaghetti, on a hoagie roll for meatball subs, or even on their own as an appetizer.
Enjoy your Best Italian Meatballs with Sauce! They’re a comforting and delicious dish that’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings!