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Tender Classic Beef Meatballs Recipe Easy Homemade Marinara Sauce Guide

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Tender, flavorful classic beef meatballs simmered in a rich homemade marinara sauce. Perfect for quick, comforting family dinners with simple ingredients and easy preparation.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) ground beef, preferably 80/20
  • 3/4 cup (90g) breadcrumbs, plain or Italian seasoned
  • 1/3 cup (80ml) milk, whole or 2%
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1/4 cup (25g) Parmesan cheese, finely grated
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (for browning meatballs)
  • For the marinara sauce:
  • 1 can (28 oz / 800g) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil leaves, a handful, torn
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, Parmesan, parsley, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix gently by hand until moist and well combined, about 5 minutes.
  2. Wet your hands with water and roll mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs (about 1.5 inches diameter). Place on a plate or baking sheet. Makes about 16 meatballs.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown meatballs in batches, turning gently, about 3-4 minutes per side until golden. They will finish cooking in the sauce.
  4. In a large saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
  5. Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
  6. Gently transfer browned meatballs into the simmering sauce. Cover and cook over low heat for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally and spooning sauce over meatballs.
  7. Just before serving, stir in torn fresh basil leaves. Adjust seasoning if needed.

Notes

Do not overmix meat to keep meatballs tender. Brown meatballs well before simmering to hold shape. Add a splash of water or broth if sauce is too thick. For gluten-free, substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour. For dairy-free, substitute milk with unsweetened almond or oat milk. Baking method can be used but pan-frying yields better crust and flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: beef meatballs, homemade marinara, easy dinner, classic meatballs, comfort food, family meal, quick recipe

Find it online: https://zorbmeal.com/tender-classic-beef-meatballs-recipe-easy-homemade-marinara-sauce-guide/