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Italian-Style Meatballs in Tomato Sauce

These tender meatballs simmer slowly in a rich tomato sauce until they become juicy, flavorful, and perfectly coated. The meatballs are made with simple ingredients like ground beef, breadcrumbs, garlic, and herbs, then browned and finished in a warm marinara sauce. As they cook, the sauce thickens and soaks into the meat, creating a comforting dish that works beautifully with pasta, bread, or even on their own.

Total time
45 min
Servings
6
Calories
390
Protein
28g
Italian-Style Meatballs in Tomato Sauce
italianmain courseside dishdinnermeatballsmarinara meatballsitalian meatballshomemade meatballs

Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1

    In a large bowl, add the ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, parmesan cheese, minced garlic, parsley, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and milk.

  2. Step 2

    Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together until the ingredients are evenly combined.

  3. Step 3

    Roll the mixture into small round meatballs, about 1 inch wide.

  4. Step 4

    Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

  5. Step 5

    Place the meatballs into the skillet and cook them for 5–7 minutes, turning them so they brown on all sides.

  6. Step 6

    Once the meatballs are browned, pour the tomato sauce into the pan.

  7. Step 7

    Gently stir so the meatballs are covered with sauce.

  8. Step 8

    Lower the heat and let the meatballs simmer for about 20 minutes so they cook fully and absorb the sauce.

  9. Step 9

    Stir the meatballs gently once or twice while they cook so the sauce doesn’t stick.

  10. Step 10

    When the meatballs are fully cooked and tender, remove the pan from the heat.

  11. Step 11

    Serve the meatballs with the warm tomato sauce and sprinkle extra parmesan cheese on top if you like.

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