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Savory Italian Herb Meatballs Recipe Easy Homemade Marinara Sauce

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Juicy Italian herb meatballs simmered in a rich homemade marinara sauce, perfect for cozy dinners and family gatherings. This recipe is quick, easy, and packed with authentic Italian flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground meat blend (70% beef, 30% pork)
  • 1/4 cup fresh Italian parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/3 cup (30 g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup (60 g) plain Italian-style breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp olive oil (for browning meatballs)
  • 28 oz (800 g) canned crushed tomatoes
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced (for sauce)
  • 1 tsp dried oregano (for sauce)
  • 1 tsp dried basil (for sauce)
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste (for sauce)
  • A handful fresh basil leaves, torn
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing onion and garlic)

Instructions

  1. Prep your ingredients: finely chop parsley, onion, and garlic; grate Parmesan; measure spices and breadcrumbs.
  2. In a large bowl, combine ground meat blend, parsley, oregano, basil, garlic, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
  3. Form mixture into 1 1/2-inch (4 cm) meatballs using hands or a cookie scoop. Place on a plate or baking sheet.
  4. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown meatballs in batches, about 3 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
  5. In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp olive oil and sauté chopped onion until translucent, about 5 minutes.
  6. Add minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes if using; cook 1 minute until fragrant.
  7. Pour in crushed tomatoes, season with salt and pepper, and bring to a gentle simmer.
  8. Nestle browned meatballs into the sauce. Cover and simmer on low heat for 20 minutes, turning occasionally.
  9. Stir in torn fresh basil leaves just before serving.

Notes

Do not overmix the meatball mixture to avoid toughness. Brown meatballs before simmering for better flavor and texture. Simmer sauce gently on low heat to keep meatballs tender. Add a splash of water or broth if sauce thickens too much. For gluten-free, substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free panko. For dairy-free, omit Parmesan or use plant-based cheese.

Nutrition

Keywords: Italian meatballs, homemade marinara, herb meatballs, easy dinner, family recipe, comfort food, savory meatballs

Find it online: https://emmaoven.com/savory-italian-herb-meatballs-recipe-easy-homemade-marinara-sauce/