Mini Meatballs with Marinara Sauce Recipe: A Delicious and Easy Homemade Delight

Mini meatballs with marinara sauce are the perfect comfort food for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner, preparing a family meal, or looking for an appetizer for a party, this recipe will make your taste buds dance. This dish brings together tender, flavorful meatballs paired with a rich and savory marinara sauce. The best part? It’s simple, fast, and a crowd-pleaser every time. Ready to dive in? Let’s get cooking!

Ingredients

For the Mini Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Olive oil for frying

For the Marinara Sauce:

• 2 cups canned crushed tomatoes (or fresh tomatoes if you prefer)
• 1/2 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, for balancing acidity)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef (or turkey), breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together with your hands until the ingredients are well incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs dense.
2. Shape the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. You should get about 20-25 mini meatballs, depending on how big you make them.
3. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the meatballs, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook them in batches if necessary. Fry the meatballs for 6-8 minutes, turning them occasionally, until they are browned on all sides and cooked through. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Marinara Sauce

1. In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil and sauté the chopped onion until it softens, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, basil, and sugar (if using). Let the sauce simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 3: Combine the Meatballs and Marinara Sauce

1. Once the sauce has simmered, add the cooked meatballs back into the skillet, gently stirring to coat them in the sauce.
2. Allow the meatballs to simmer in the sauce for an additional 10-15 minutes, ensuring they absorb some of the flavors from the sauce.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Once the meatballs are cooked through and coated with the delicious marinara sauce, serve them immediately. You can pair them with spaghetti, a side salad, or just enjoy them on their own with some crusty bread.

Recipe Notes

• Baking Option: If you prefer to bake your meatballs, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the shaped meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until browned and cooked through. You can then add them to the marinara sauce and simmer as directed.
• Ground Meat Choices: This recipe works well with ground beef, turkey, or even chicken. For a more indulgent option, you can mix in some ground pork for a richer flavor.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the meatballs and marinara sauce ahead of time. The meatballs can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, or frozen for longer storage. Reheat them in the marinara sauce for a quick meal.

Time and Serving

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
• Total Time: 40-45 minutes
• Servings: 4-6 servings

Storage

• Refrigeration: Leftover mini meatballs with marinara sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: To freeze, allow the meatballs to cool completely before placing them in a freezer-safe container. They can be stored for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm them up in the sauce on the stovetop.

Nutrition Breakdown (Per Serving)

Extra Tips to Make the Recipe Perfect

• Seasoning: Taste your marinara sauce and meatball mixture as you go. Sometimes a pinch of red pepper flakes in the sauce can add a nice kick, or extra Parmesan in the meatballs can bring out a more savory flavor.
• Meatball Texture: If you like your meatballs extra tender, try adding a tablespoon of milk to the meatball mixture. This helps to keep them moist.
• Serving Ideas: These mini meatballs are versatile! You can serve them over pasta, on a sub roll for a meatball sandwich, or as a party appetizer with toothpicks. Add some shredded mozzarella on top for a melty, cheesy finish!

Kitchen Tools Needed

• Mixing bowl
• Skillet or frying pan
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Baking sheet (if baking)
• Measuring cups and spoons

How to Serve Mini Meatballs with Marinara Sauce

• With Pasta: Classic spaghetti or any other pasta will pair wonderfully with these mini meatballs.
• On a Sandwich: Place the meatballs and sauce in a sub roll, top with melted mozzarella, and enjoy a comforting meatball sandwich.
• As Appetizers: Serve the mini meatballs as bite-sized appetizers with toothpicks. You can also sprinkle some Parmesan and fresh basil on top for extra flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?
Yes! If you’re short on time, store-bought marinara sauce can be a quick and easy substitute. Just heat it up and add the cooked meatballs. However, making your own sauce allows you to control the flavor and sweetness.

2. Can I make the meatballs gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.

3. How do I make these meatballs spicy?
To add some heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes into the marinara sauce or mix some chopped jalapeños into the meatball mixture.

4. How do I know when the meatballs are done?
The best way to check is by cutting one open. The meat should be fully cooked with no pink inside. You can also use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C) for ground beef or turkey.

Final Thoughts

Mini meatballs with marinara sauce are a go-to recipe for any home cook looking for a crowd-pleasing dish. Whether you serve them with pasta, as a snack, or in a sandwich, they are versatile, delicious, and easy to prepare. Enjoy them with your loved ones or make them in bulk to keep in the freezer for those busy weeknights.