Tender, juicy Italian meatballs simmered in a rich marinara sauce — a comforting classic perfect for pasta, subs, or make-ahead dinners.
For the Meatballs:
1 lb ground beef
1 lb ground pork
½ cup breadcrumbs
¼ cup milk
1 egg
2 garlic cloves, minced
½ onion, grated
⅓ cup grated Parmesan
2 tbsp parsley, chopped
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sauce:
2 tbsp olive oil
3–4 garlic cloves, minced
1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp sugar (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: basil or parsley to finish
Soak breadcrumbs in milk. Mix with remaining meatball ingredients. Form into 1½-inch balls.
Brown in a skillet or bake at 400°F for 15–18 minutes.
In a deep pan, sauté garlic in olive oil. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, seasoning, sugar, salt, and pepper. Simmer 10 minutes.
Add meatballs to sauce. Cover and simmer 20–25 minutes until cooked through.
Garnish with herbs and serve hot.
Substitute all beef if preferred.
Freeze cooked meatballs for up to 3 months.
Serve with pasta, bread, or as appetizers.