Simple Ground Beef Meatballs in Marinara Sauce

These ground beef meatballs are a classic dish that pairs perfectly with marinara sauce. They are easy to prepare and make a great addition to pasta, subs, or enjoyed on their own.

This recipe uses basic ingredients and straightforward techniques, making it accessible for cooks of all skill levels.

Creating the Perfect Meatballs

Crafting meatballs that are both tender and flavorful starts with selecting quality ingredients. Ground beef is the star of the show, providing a hearty base that pairs beautifully with the rich marinara sauce.

To enhance the meatballs, breadcrumbs are added for texture, while herbs like parsley, oregano, and basil infuse them with aromatic flavors.

Don't forget the garlic! It adds a savory depth that elevates the entire dish. Mixing these ingredients together is a straightforward process, making it accessible for cooks at any level.

Simmering in Marinara Sauce

Once the meatballs are formed, they are baked to perfection before being introduced to the marinara sauce.

Simmering the meatballs in the sauce allows them to absorb the rich flavors, creating a harmonious blend that is simply irresistible.

This step is crucial for achieving that authentic Italian taste, ensuring that every bite is packed with flavor.

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving, the classic choice is a generous bed of spaghetti.

The long strands of pasta twirl beautifully around the meatballs, creating a visually appealing dish that is sure to impress.

For an added touch, garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of parsley.

Nutritional Information

These meatballs are not just delicious; they also offer a satisfying nutritional profile.

With approximately 350 calories per serving, they provide a good balance of protein and carbohydrates, making them a filling option for any meal.

With 25 grams of protein and 20 grams of fat, they deliver the energy needed for an active lifestyle.

Tips for Success

For the best results, ensure that the meatballs are evenly sized for consistent cooking.

Using a cookie scoop can help achieve uniformity.

Also, don’t rush the simmering process; allowing the meatballs to soak in the sauce enhances the flavor.

Easy Ground Beef Meatballs Recipe

These meatballs are made with ground beef, breadcrumbs, and herbs, then simmered in a rich marinara sauce for added flavor. The recipe takes about 45 minutes from start to finish and serves 4 people.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 2 cups marinara sauce

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, garlic, salt, pepper, oregano, and basil. Mix until just combined.
3. Form Meatballs: Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet.
4. Bake Meatballs: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until cooked through.
5. Simmer in Sauce: In a large skillet, heat the marinara sauce over medium heat. Add the baked meatballs and simmer for an additional 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
6. Serve: Serve the meatballs with pasta, in a sub, or on their own, garnished with extra parsley or Parmesan if desired.

Cook and Prep Times

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories: 350kcal
• Fat: 20g
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 15g