Description
This Italian Style Beef Meatballs with Marinara recipe features tender and flavorful meatballs made from ground beef, Italian-style breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and fresh herbs. The meatballs are browned in olive oil and simmered in a rich marinara sauce until perfectly cooked through. Served hot with a garnish of additional Parmesan and fresh basil, this hearty dish is a classic comfort food perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs
- 1 pound ground beef 80/20
- 1/2 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Marinara Sauce
- 3 cups marinara sauce
Optional Garnish
- Additional grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Soften Breadcrumbs: In a large bowl, combine the Italian-style breadcrumbs and whole milk. Let the mixture sit for 2 to 3 minutes to allow the breadcrumbs to soften, which helps keep the meatballs moist and tender.
- Mix Meatball Ingredients: Add the ground beef, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, chopped fresh parsley, salt, black pepper, and dried oregano to the bowl with the softened breadcrumbs. Gently mix all ingredients together just until combined, being careful not to overwork the meat to maintain tenderness.
- Shape Meatballs: Using your hands, shape the meat mixture into 16 evenly sized meatballs, ensuring they are uniform in size for even cooking.
- Brown Meatballs: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, and cook them until browned on all sides, which should take approximately 6 to 8 minutes total. Browning seals in juices and adds flavor.
- Simmer in Marinara: Pour the marinara sauce evenly over the browned meatballs in the skillet. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and let the meatballs simmer gently in the sauce for 15 to 20 minutes. This ensures the meatballs are cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Serve: Serve the meatballs hot, spooning extra marinara sauce over them. Garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves if desired for a fresh and flavorful finish.
Notes
- For extra tenderness and flavor, substitute half of the ground beef with ground pork.
- Alternatively, bake the meatballs at 400°F for 18 to 20 minutes before simmering them in the marinara sauce.
- These meatballs freeze well for up to 3 months; freeze uncooked meatballs for best results.
