Looking for a cozy, flavorful dish that feels like home? These Classic Meatballs in Marinara are tender, juicy, and packed with authentic Italian flavor. A blend of ground beef and pork gives richness, while fresh herbs and Parmesan add a savory punch. Perfect with spaghetti, garlic bread, or a simple green salad, this dish is a true comfort food classic.
⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Juicy, tender meatballs baked to perfection
- Flavor-packed with garlic, parsley, oregano, and Parmesan
- Versatile – serve with pasta, rice, or crusty bread
- Make-ahead and freezer-friendly
📝 Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ pound ground pork (swap with turkey or chicken if preferred)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine beef, pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, parsley, garlic, egg, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands or a spoon until just combined. Tip: Avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.
2. Shape & Bake
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll mixture into 1.5-inch balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil. Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
3. Simmer in Marinara
Warm marinara sauce in a large skillet over medium heat. Transfer baked meatballs into the sauce and simmer for 10 minutes to soak up flavor.
Serve hot with pasta, bread, or roasted vegetables! 🍝
💡 Tips for Perfect Meatballs
- Moisture Matters: Breadcrumbs and eggs keep meatballs soft and juicy.
- Flavor Boost: Fresh parsley and garlic make a huge difference—don’t skip them.
- Cheesy Upgrade: Add mozzarella chunks inside each meatball for a melty surprise.
- Spicy Kick: A pinch of crushed red pepper adds heat.
🥗 Serving Suggestions
Pair these meatballs with:
- Classic spaghetti for an Italian favorite
- Garlic bread for dipping in sauce
- Fresh green salad with vinaigrette
- Roasted vegetables like zucchini or carrots
- Creamy polenta or fluffy rice
🥶 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container with sauce for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Place baked meatballs on a tray, freeze, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Reheat:
- Oven: 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes with sauce.
- Stovetop: Simmer gently in marinara for 10 minutes.
🌟 Variations
- Lighter Version: Use ground turkey or chicken.
- Vegetarian: Swap meat with lentils or chickpeas + breadcrumbs + herbs.
- Marinara Twist: Add chili flakes for heat or toss in spinach, carrots, or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
❓ FAQs
Q: Can I make meatballs ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the mixture a day before and refrigerate. You can also freeze raw meatballs and bake directly from frozen.
Q: How do I know meatballs are done?
Use a meat thermometer—160°F (71°C) is perfect for beef/pork.
Q: What pasta works best?
Spaghetti is classic, but rigatoni or penne hold the sauce beautifully.
🥘 Final Thoughts
These Classic Meatballs in Marinara are the ultimate comfort food—juicy, flavorful, and so satisfying. Whether you’re making them for a weeknight dinner or a family gathering, they’re guaranteed to impress.
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