Description
These classic Ground Beef Meatballs are tender, flavorful, and simmered in a rich marinara sauce. Perfect as a hearty main dish or served over pasta, they combine simple ingredients like ground beef, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning for a comforting homemade meal ready in just 45 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian-seasoned)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 medium onion (finely chopped)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Simmer Sauce
- 2 cups marinara sauce
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Gather all ingredients on your countertop to ensure a smooth cooking process and have everything within reach.
- Mix Meatball Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, finely chopped onion, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Gently mix with your hands just until all ingredients are evenly incorporated; avoid overmixing to keep meatballs tender.
- Shape Meatballs: Form the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, to ensure even cooking and a nice bite-sized portion.
- Sear Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, sear the meatballs until they are golden brown on all sides, which should take approximately 5-7 minutes. This step adds flavor and texture.
- Simmer in Sauce: Pour the marinara sauce over the browned meatballs in the skillet. Cover with a lid and let them simmer gently on low heat for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the meatballs to cook through fully and absorb the flavors of the sauce.
Notes
- Use 80/20 ground beef to keep meatballs juicy but not too fatty.
- Breadcrumbs can be plain or Italian-seasoned depending on your flavor preference.
- Do not overmix the meatball mixture to prevent tough meatballs.
- Searing meatballs first locks in juices and creates a tasty crust.
- If marinara sauce thickens too much while simmering, add a splash of water or broth.
- Serve meatballs with pasta, on a sub roll, or as an appetizer with toothpicks.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
