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Simple Italian Meatballs in Marinara Sauce – A Classic Comfort Favorite

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Tender, juicy Italian meatballs simmered in a rich marinara sauce — a comforting classic perfect for pasta, subs, or make-ahead dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

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

  • 34 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

Instructions

  • 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.

Notes

  • Substitute all beef if preferred.

  • Freeze cooked meatballs for up to 3 months.

  • Serve with pasta, bread, or as appetizers.