Delicious Italian Baked Meatballs in Marinara Recipe to Serve 6 Perfectly

Italian baked meatballs in marinara sauce are a classic dish that brings comfort and delightful flavors to the dinner table. This recipe combines juicy meatballs with a rich, homemade marinara sauce, creating a mouthwatering meal that will please both family and friends. Perfectly served over pasta, on a sub, or simply enjoyed with crusty bread, these meatballs can easily become a go-to in your recipe repertoire.

To make this dish, you'll need to gather some simple ingredients. Let’s dive into the details!

Ingredients

To serve 6 people, here’s what you will need:

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground beef

• 1/2 lb ground pork

• 1 cup breadcrumbs

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped)

• 1/4 cup milk

• 1 large egg

• 3 cloves garlic (minced)

• 1 tsp onion powder

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• 1 tsp salt

• 1/2 tsp black pepper

  
  

For the Marinara Sauce:

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 medium onion (chopped)

• 4 cloves garlic (minced)

• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes

• 1 tsp sugar

• 1 tsp dried basil

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• Salt and pepper to taste

  
  

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef and ground pork. Add the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, parsley, milk, egg, minced garlic, onion powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper.

Mix all the ingredients until well combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.

Step 2: Forming the Meatballs

Once the mixture is ready, use your hands to form meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. You should yield around 18 to 24 meatballs, depending on your size preference.

Place the formed meatballs on a greased baking sheet or a tray lined with parchment paper.

Step 3: Bake the Meatballs

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until they are cooked through and browned on the outside.

While the meatballs are baking, you can prepare the marinara sauce.

Step 4: Make the Marinara Sauce

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.

Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 5: Simmer the Sauce

Pour in the crushed tomatoes, add sugar, dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and let the sauce simmer for about 15 minutes to blend the flavors.

Step 6: Combine the Meatballs and Sauce

Once the meatballs are done baking, gently add them to the simmering marinara sauce. Stir to coat the meatballs well with the sauce, allowing them to mingle for about 5 more minutes on low heat.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

Your Italian baked meatballs in marinara are ready to serve! Enjoy them over your favorite pasta, in a sub sandwich, or on their own with some crusty bread for dipping.

Delicious homemade Italian baked meatballs in marinara served in a dish.

Tips for the Best Meatballs

• Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh herbs and quality meat can elevate the flavor of your meatballs significantly.

• Do Not Overmix: When forming the meatballs, mix just enough to combine the ingredients. Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs.

  
  

• Adjust Seasonings: Feel free to tweak the spices according to your personal preference. Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes can add a subtle heat to the dish.

  
  
  
  

Conclusion

This recipe for Italian baked meatballs in marinara sauce serves 6 and is perfect for any occasion – from family dinners to casual gatherings. With a straightforward preparation process and an array of flavors, this dish is bound to impress your guests and become a cherished favorite.

Whether you enjoy it as a hearty main course or a comforting side dish, this meal will warm your heart and satisfy your appetite. Next time you're looking for a fulfilling dinner idea, remember these delicious meatballs, and savor every bite!

Italian baked meatballs served over spaghetti in a bowl.

Now, get cooking, and enjoy the rich, savory taste of homemade Italian meatballs in marinara sauce! Happy eating!