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
Scale
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
