Savory Homemade Meatballs in Marinara
Whip up an easy yet delectable meal with these savory homemade meatballs simmered in rich marinara sauce. This recipe combines simple, fresh ingredients to create a comforting dish that your family will love. Perfect for busy weeknights, the meatballs can be crafted quickly, then left to meld their flavors in the sauce. Served over spaghetti, this hearty recipe is not just about convenience; it brings a classic Italian feel to your dinner table without the fuss of traditional from-scratch cooking!
N/A
Servings
400
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ground beef
1 lb (raw)
Small onion
1 (chopped)
Green peppers
2 tablespoons (chopped)
Italian breadcrumbs
1/2 cup (dry)
Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup (grated)
Large egg
1 (beaten)
Oregano
1/4 teaspoon (dried)
Salt
1 dash (to taste)
Pepper
1 dash (to taste)
Marinara sauce
2 (24 ounce) jars (store-bought, heated)
Spaghetti
1 (16 ounce) box (cooked according to package instructions)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped onion, green peppers, Italian breadcrumbs, grated parmesan cheese, beaten egg, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.
2
In a large saucepan, heat the marinara sauce over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally.
3
Form the meat mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs by hand and gently drop them into the simmering sauce. You should approximately yield 12 to 20 meatballs, depending on your size preference.
4
Let the meatballs cook in the sauce for at least 15 minutes before stirring to avoid breaking them apart.
5
Once the meatballs have started cooking, cover the saucepan and let them simmer for at least one hour. Stir occasionally, being careful not to disturb the meatballs too much.
6
While the meatballs are simmering, cook the spaghetti according to the package directions. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
7
To serve, plate the spaghetti and top with generous amounts of meatballs and marinara sauce. Garnish with additional parmesan if desired, and enjoy your delicious, home-cooked meal!
Nutrition Information
20g
Fat
42g
Carbs
17g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of meat is used in these meatballs?
This recipe uses 1 lb of raw ground beef.
How many meatballs does this recipe yield?
Depending on your size preference, you should yield approximately 12 to 20 meatballs.
What size should I make the meatballs?
The meat mixture should be formed into golf ball-sized meatballs.
How long do the meatballs need to simmer in the sauce?
The meatballs should simmer in the marinara sauce for at least one hour.
How do I prevent the meatballs from breaking apart in the sauce?
Let the meatballs cook in the sauce for at least 15 minutes before stirring to ensure they hold their shape.
Is the marinara sauce made from scratch?
No, this recipe uses two 24-ounce jars of store-bought marinara sauce for convenience.
Do I need to brown the meatballs in a pan first?
No, the meatballs are dropped raw into the simmering sauce to cook through.
What kind of breadcrumbs are recommended?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of dry Italian breadcrumbs.
What vegetables are included in the meat mixture?
The meatballs include one small chopped onion and 2 tablespoons of chopped green peppers.
How many calories are in a serving of these meatballs?
Each serving contains approximately 400 calories.
What is the fat content for this dish?
There are 20g of fat per serving.
How much protein does this meal provide?
This recipe provides 17g of protein per serving.
What type of pasta should I serve this with?
The recipe suggests serving the meatballs and sauce over a 16-ounce box of cooked spaghetti.
Can I add extra cheese to this recipe?
Yes, you can garnish the plated spaghetti and meatballs with additional grated parmesan cheese if desired.
What seasonings are used in the meatballs?
The seasonings include oregano, salt, and pepper, along with grated parmesan cheese.
Is an egg necessary for the meatballs?
Yes, one large beaten egg is used as a binder to help hold the ingredients together.
What temperature should I use to heat the sauce?
The marinara sauce should be heated over medium-low heat.
How many carbohydrates are in this meal?
There are 42g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much oregano should I use?
The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of dried oregano.
Should the saucepan be covered while simmering?
Yes, once the meatballs have started cooking, cover the saucepan for the remainder of the simmering time.
Can I use different types of meat?
While the recipe specifies ground beef, you could substitute it with ground pork or turkey if preferred.
How much salt and pepper should I add?
Add a dash of salt and pepper, or adjust according to your taste preference.
What is the primary flavor profile of this dish?
It is a savory and comforting Italian-style dish featuring rich marinara and seasoned meat.
Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
Yes, it is designed as a beginner-friendly recipe that uses simple ingredients and easy steps.
How should I prep the onion?
The onion should be finely chopped before being mixed with the ground beef.
Can I make this meal ahead of time?
Yes, meatballs often taste better the next day as the flavors continue to meld in the sauce.
How often should I stir the sauce?
Stir occasionally while heating the sauce and during the final hour of simmering, being careful not to break the meatballs.
What kind of parmesan cheese is used?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of grated parmesan cheese inside the meatballs.
How much spaghetti do I need?
You will need one 16-ounce box of spaghetti.
What is the total ingredient count?
There are 11 main ingredients used in this recipe.