Go Back
classic Meatball Marinara with rich tomato sauce and fresh basil garnishing

Classic Meatball Marinara

Tender meatballs smothered in a rich and tangy marinara sauce, served with a side of pasta for a hearty Italian-American classic
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 520
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup marinara sauce
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 400 F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley, garlic, salt, and pepper, and mix well with your hands until just combined.
  3. Use your hands to shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
  4. Drizzle the meatballs with olive oil and gently roll them to coat evenly.
  5. Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until cooked through.
  6. While the meatballs are baking, heat the marinara sauce and beef broth in a large saucepan over medium-low heat.
  7. Once the meatballs are done, carefully place them in the saucepan with the marinara sauce and simmer for 5-7 minutes to coat the meatballs in the sauce.
  8. Serve the meatballs hot, topped with additional marinara sauce and grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

You can also make the meatballs in a skillet on the stovetop instead of the oven, cooking them for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until cooked through. Additionally, you can serve the meatballs with pasta, such as spaghetti or ziti, for a hearty and satisfying meal.