Mini Meatballs with Marinara Sauce Recipe
If you’re searching for the perfect bite-sized crowd-pleaser, Mini Meatballs with Marinara Sauce are about to become your new favorite go-to recipe. These juicy, tender morsels are packed with savory Italian flavor, simmered in a vibrant homemade marinara, and are just as irresistible served as an appetizer or the star of your next pasta night. Whether you’re entertaining friends or just looking to cozy up with a comforting meal, this dish brings warmth, nostalgia, and a burst of flavor to every table. Get ready to fall in love with Mini Meatballs with Marinara Sauce!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Mini Meatballs with Marinara Sauce lies in its simple, honest ingredients. Each one brings a special touch—whether it’s richness, a pop of color, or that all-important Italian aroma. Gather these kitchen staples and you’re halfway to comfort food bliss!
- Ground beef or beef/pork blend: The heart of the meatballs, offering juicy texture and deep flavor—try a blend for extra tenderness.
- Breadcrumbs: Helps the meatballs stay light and moist; use gluten-free if you need.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Infuses rich, salty depth and a subtle nuttiness to every bite.
- Large egg: Acts as the perfect binder, holding everything together.
- Garlic (minced): Adds that unmistakable savory aroma and classic Italian flavor.
- Fresh parsley (chopped): Lends a fresh, herbal brightness that balances out the richness.
- Dried oregano: A traditional spice that gives that craveable Italian essence.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors—don’t skip it!
- Black pepper: Adds just a hint of warmth and spice.
- Olive oil (for cooking): Ensures a golden, flavorful crust on every meatball.
- Canned crushed tomatoes: The base of your marinara sauce—go for good quality for the best flavor.
- More garlic (minced): Gives your sauce that extra punch.
- Olive oil: Helps the sauce develop a silky texture and rich taste.
- Dried basil: Brings sweet, fragrant notes to the marinara.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): For a gentle kick of heat—totally up to your spice level!
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for brightening and balancing your sauce.
How to Make Mini Meatballs with Marinara Sauce
Step 1: Mix the Meatball Ingredients
Begin by grabbing a large mixing bowl and add in your ground meat of choice, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands or a fork to gently mix everything together until just combined—overmixing can make the meatballs tough, so keep it light and easy!
Step 2: Shape the Mini Meatballs
With the meat mixture ready, pinch off small amounts and gently roll them into balls about 1 inch in diameter. You should end up with around 24 adorable mini meatballs, perfectly sized for popping straight into your mouth or layering over pasta.
Step 3: Brown the Meatballs
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, giving them enough room to brown nicely. Turn them often to get a golden crust on all sides and cook through—this usually takes about 6 to 8 minutes. Once they’re done, transfer them to a plate and set aside.
Step 4: Make the Marinara Sauce
Using the same skillet (hello, flavor!), lower the heat and add another tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the minced garlic and let it sizzle for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, sprinkle in the dried basil, red pepper flakes if you like a little heat, and season with salt and pepper. Give everything a good stir and let it simmer gently for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring now and then.
Step 5: Simmer Meatballs in Sauce
Return your browned mini meatballs to the skillet, nestling them into the bubbling marinara. Let them simmer together for another 5 minutes so the flavors can really mingle and the meatballs soak up that incredible sauce. Serve them up warm and watch them disappear!
How to Serve Mini Meatballs with Marinara Sauce
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan, a handful of chopped parsley, or even a few ribbons of basil on top will make your Mini Meatballs with Marinara Sauce look truly inviting. A drizzle of good olive oil or a dash of cracked black pepper at the end can add both flavor and flair!
Side Dishes
These mini meatballs are endlessly versatile! Serve them over a bed of al dente spaghetti, tuck them into toasted slider rolls for party-perfect bites, or pile them onto creamy polenta for a comforting dinner. Crusty bread is a must for soaking up every drop of that delicious marinara.
Creative Ways to Present
Skewer a few mini meatballs with toothpicks for the ultimate finger food appetizer, or arrange them in a mini cast iron skillet for rustic charm. For a fun twist, try building meatball subs or even topping a homemade pizza with them. Mini Meatballs with Marinara Sauce are as playful as they are tasty!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Mini Meatballs with Marinara Sauce keep beautifully! Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors only get better as they mingle in the fridge, making them even more delicious the next day.
Freezing
If you want to get ahead, both the meatballs and the sauce freeze like a dream. Simply let everything cool completely, then pack into airtight containers or freezer bags. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months—perfect for meal prepping or impromptu gatherings.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the meatballs and sauce together in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions, covered, in short bursts until hot. Either way, they’ll taste just as good as the day you made them!
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken makes a lighter version of Mini Meatballs with Marinara Sauce. Just be sure not to overcook them, as leaner meats can dry out more quickly—otherwise, the process stays the same and they’re just as tasty.
How do I keep the meatballs tender?
The secret is not to overmix your meatball mixture and to include enough moisture from ingredients like the egg and breadcrumbs. Also, avoid pressing them too tightly when rolling; gentle hands yield the softest meatballs.
Can I make Mini Meatballs with Marinara Sauce gluten-free?
Definitely! Simply swap in your favorite gluten-free breadcrumbs and double-check that your Parmesan and any other add-ins are gluten-free. This way, everyone can enjoy these irresistible bites.
Is it okay to bake the meatballs instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake them! Arrange the shaped meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet, mist or brush lightly with oil, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 12–15 minutes, until cooked through. Then, add them to your marinara sauce to finish.
What’s the best way to serve Mini Meatballs with Marinara Sauce for a party?
For parties, serve the meatballs on a platter with toothpicks and a bowl of extra marinara for dipping. You can also keep them warm in a slow cooker set to low, making them easy to enjoy throughout the gathering.
Final Thoughts
Once you try Mini Meatballs with Marinara Sauce, you’ll see why this dish is such a beloved classic in my kitchen. Whether you’re serving them as a cozy family meal or as an appetizer at your next get-together, they never fail to bring smiles and second helpings. Grab your skillet and let the aroma of homemade Italian comfort fill your home—you’re in for a treat!
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Mini Meatballs with Marinara Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 mini meatballs 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Mini Meatballs with Marinara Sauce are a delicious Italian-inspired appetizer or main course featuring tender, flavorful meatballs simmered in a rich, homemade marinara sauce. Perfect as a party snack, served over pasta, or in sliders, they combine ground meat, Parmesan, and herbs with a vibrant tomato sauce for a crowd-pleasing dish.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef or beef/pork blend
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
For the Marinara Sauce:
- 2 cups canned crushed tomatoes
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined to avoid dense meatballs.
- Form the Meatballs: Roll the mixture into small, 1-inch diameter balls, ensuring they are evenly sized for uniform cooking.
- Cook the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs in batches, cooking and turning often until browned on all sides and fully cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. Remove meatballs from skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Marinara Sauce: In the same skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in crushed tomatoes, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using), and season with salt and pepper. Simmer the sauce for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to blend flavors.
- Combine Meatballs and Sauce: Return meatballs to the skillet with the marinara sauce. Let them simmer together for 5 minutes so the meatballs absorb the sauce’s flavors.
- Serve: Serve the mini meatballs warm as an appetizer, atop pasta, or inside sliders for a delicious meal.
Notes
- For a leaner option, substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef.
- These meatballs freeze well; store cooked meatballs with sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your spice preference or omit for a milder sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer or Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 mini meatballs with sauce
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
