Imagine a dish that instantly transports you back to childhood, where the aroma of perfectly seasoned meatballs simmering in rich marinara sauce fills your kitchen with warmth and nostalgia. These classic Italian-style meatballs are more than just a meal – they're a culinary journey that promises to delight every member of your family and impress even the most discerning dinner guests. Prepare to unlock the secret to creating meatballs so tender, juicy, and flavorful that they'll become your new go-to recipe for comfort food perfection!
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 egg
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, grated parmesan cheese, and the egg. Mix ingredients thoroughly using your hands, ensuring even distribution of all components.
- Season the meat mixture with salt and pepper, gently mixing to maintain a light texture. Avoid overmixing, which can make the meatballs tough.
- Using clean hands, form the meat mixture into uniform round meatballs, approximately
- 5 inches in diameter. Place formed meatballs on a clean plate or baking sheet.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Carefully place meatballs in the skillet, working in batches to avoid overcrowding. Brown meatballs on all sides, turning gently to create a golden-brown crust, approximately 6-8 minutes total.
- In a separate large saucepan, heat marinara sauce over medium-low heat. Once the meatballs are browned, transfer them carefully into the simmering sauce.
- Cover the saucepan and let meatballs simmer in the marinara sauce for 45-50 minutes, allowing them to cook through completely and absorb the sauce's flavors.
- Check internal temperature of meatballs, which should reach 160°F (71°C) for safe consumption. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional fresh parsley and grated parmesan cheese. Pair with pasta, crusty bread, or your preferred side dish.
Tips
- Use room temperature ingredients: Allow your egg and meat to sit at room temperature for better mixing and more consistent texture.
- Don't overwork the meat mixture: Mix ingredients gently to keep meatballs tender and light. Overmixing can lead to tough, dense meatballs.
- Use a light touch when forming meatballs: Roll them gently and uniformly to ensure even cooking.
- Test a sample meatball: Before cooking the entire batch, cook a small meatball to check seasoning and adjust if needed.
- Use a meat thermometer: Ensure meatballs reach 160°F (71°C) for safe consumption without overcooking.
- Let meatballs rest in the sauce: Simmering allows flavors to meld and keeps the meatballs moist and tender.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine to your marinara sauce or mixing some minced garlic into the meat mixture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 110mg
