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Easy Ground Beef Meatballs With Marinara
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying, Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Learn how to make delicious and easy ground beef meatballs with marinara sauce. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. Try it today!
Ingredients
- 1 recipe Homemade Marinara Sauce
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) vegetable oil (Omit if broiling the meatballs instead of frying them.)
- 1 1/2 cups (180 g) of bread cubes cut or torn into 1/2-inch pieces
- 1 cup (240 ml) of milk (*If you don’t have buttermilk, here are 7 ways to make it)
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of Worcestershire sauce
- 1 pound (450 g) ground beef, 85 – 90% lean
- 1 pound (450 g) of ground beef sausage, spicy or sweet
- 2 large egg yolks, lightly beaten with a fork
- 1/2 cup (60 g) grated cheese
- 3/4 cup (75 g) grated mozzarella cheese
- 3/4 cup (15 g) minced fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) minced garlic (about 4–6 large cloves)
- 2 teaspoons (10 ml) salt
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) ground black pepper
- 1 1/2 tablespoons (23 ml) dried Italian herb seasoning
- 2 teaspoons (10 ml) onion powder
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) granulated sugar
Instructions
- If you plan to broil the meatballs: Set an oven rack in the middle position and preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C). Coat a broiler pan with a non-stick spray. Alternatively, you can line a rimmed baking sheet with foil, place a wire rack on top, and spray the rack with non-stick spray. Another option is to line a roasting pan with foil, position the flat rack inside, and spray it with non-stick spray.
- For frying the meatballs: Cover a baking sheet with parchment or foil. Pour 1/4 cup of vegetable oil into a large skillet or saucepan and set it aside.
- Place the bread cubes in a large bowl and pour milk over them. Let this mixture sit for around 10 minutes, mashing it occasionally with a fork until the bread disintegrates and it resembles a paste.
- Combine all the remaining ingredients for the meatballs in the bowl with the bread and milk mixture. Use your hands to mix everything until it’s thoroughly combined.
- To check the seasoning: Heat a teaspoon of vegetable oil in a small frying pan over medium-high heat. Shape a small portion of the meat mixture into a ball, about the size of a ping pong or golf ball. Cook this mini meatball in the pan for 3-5 minutes per side until it turns a deep brown and becomes crispy. Flatten it with a spatula into a thick patty to ensure even cooking. Taste this sample and adjust the seasoning of the meat mixture as needed.
- Shape the entire meat mixture into balls the size of a ping pong or golf ball, placing them on the prepared broiler pan, baking rack, or sheet pan.
- For broiling: Cook the meatballs under the broiler for about 30 minutes until they achieve a rich brown color.
- For frying: Heat the skillet with the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, add 8-10 meatballs to the pan. Cook them, turning occasionally, until they are browned all over. Remove them from the pan and repeat the process with the remaining meatballs.
- To finish cooking with marinara sauce: Preheat the oven to 350°F (176°C). Submerge the meatballs in the marinara sauce. Cover the dish and bake for 1 hour.
Notes
Easy Ground Beef Meatballs With Marinara
Fundamentals
Creating Easy Ground Beef Meatballs With Marinara involves a blend of ground beef and ground beef sausage, which sets the base for a rich and flavorful dish. It’s important to choose ground beef that is between 85% and 90% lean to ensure that the meatballs have the right balance of flavor and moisture. Adding bread cubes soaked in milk helps to keep the meatballs tender, while the mix of cheeses, including mozzarella, enhances the texture and taste.
The spices and herbs, such as minced garlic, dried Italian herb seasoning, and fresh parsley, are critical for injecting flavor into the meatballs. These ingredients work in harmony with Worcestershire sauce, which adds a deep umami complexity. A touch of granulated sugar balances the savory elements and enhances the overall taste profile.
Preparation/setup
Begin by preparing your station and gathering all necessary ingredients. If you plan to broil the meatballs, preheat your oven to 450°F and set up your broiler pan with a non-stick spray. For frying, line a baking sheet with parchment or foil, and have your vegetable oil and skillet ready. In a large bowl, soak the bread cubes in milk for about 10 minutes until they form a paste-like consistency.
Combine the soaked bread mixture with the remaining ingredients, including the ground meats, cheeses, and seasonings. Use your hands to mix everything thoroughly, ensuring that the flavors are evenly distributed. To test the seasoning, cook a small portion of the mixture in a frying pan, tasting and adjusting as necessary.
Crafting Perfect Meatballs
Technique
The technique for shaping your meatballs can significantly affect the final result. Roll the meat mixture into balls the size of a ping pong or golf ball. Ensure that each meatball is uniform in size for even cooking. When broiling, place the meatballs on the prepared pan and cook them for about 30 minutes until they turn a rich brown color.
Easy Ground Beef Meatballs With Marinara
If frying, heat your skillet over medium-high heat and add the meatballs in batches, allowing enough space between each one for even browning. Turn them occasionally to achieve a golden crust on all sides. This method locks in the juiciness and enhances the overall texture. For more creative ground beef recipes, check out Quick and Easy Honey Garlic Ground Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry.
Tips/tricks
To ensure your meatballs don’t fall apart, avoid overmixing the meat mixture, as this can lead to dense and tough results. A gentle hand will help maintain a tender texture. For those who love experimenting, substituting the bread with panko breadcrumbs can add a slightly different texture. Remember to keep your hands slightly wet when shaping the meatballs to prevent sticking.
After cooking, it’s crucial to let the meatballs rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more flavorful bite. If you’re looking for more inspiration with ground beef, try this Easy Ground Beef Stroganoff.
Enhancing Your Meatball Recipe
Perfecting results
To perfect your Easy Ground Beef Meatballs With Marinara, submerging them in homemade marinara sauce is key. Preheat your oven to 350°F and cover the meatballs with the sauce. Baking them for an hour allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a tender and mouth-watering dish. The sauce not only infuses the meatballs with additional flavor but also keeps them moist.
In case you encounter any issues while cooking, such as meatballs sticking to the pan, consider using a non-stick spray or a well-seasoned cast iron skillet. For variations, you can experiment with different herbs or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. Explore more variations like this Easy Italian Meatballs for more inspiration.
Troubleshooting/variations
If your meatballs turn out too dry, you might have used meat that was too lean. Adding a bit more oil or cheese can help add moisture. If they fall apart, ensure the bread and milk mixture is adequately absorbed and that the meat mixture isn’t too loose. Adjust the binding ingredients like eggs and cheese to create a firmer consistency.
For those who love to explore different flavors, consider trying this Green Chile Stew With Ground Beef to experience a different take on ground beef dishes.
Serving Your Meatballs
Serving/presentation
Presentation is key when serving Easy Ground Beef Meatballs With Marinara. Arrange them on a large platter, drizzling extra marinara sauce over the top for an inviting look. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for added color and aroma. Pair these meatballs with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad to complement the rich flavors.
For additional savory delight, consider serving these meatballs with a side of Easy Baked Beans and Ground Beef Casserole. This combination offers a hearty and satisfying meal, perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests.
Easy Ground Beef Meatballs With Marinara
Pairings/storage
When it comes to storing leftovers, let the meatballs cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They can be refrigerated for up to four days or frozen for up to three months. To reheat, place them in a saucepan with a bit of marinara sauce over low heat until warmed through.
For a unique pairing, try these meatballs with a side of creamy mashed potatoes and gravy, inspired by this Ground Beef and Gravy Over Mashed Potatoes. This combination provides a comforting and robust meal that will please any crowd.
Conclusion
Easy Ground Beef Meatballs With Marinara offer a delightful blend of flavors and textures that are sure to become a family favorite. The combination of ground beef and sausage, enhanced with aromatic herbs and spices, ensures a rich and satisfying taste. Whether broiled or fried, these meatballs turn out perfectly every time.
The versatility of this dish allows for various serving options and pairings, making it suitable for any occasion. From cozy family dinners to larger gatherings, these meatballs are a crowd-pleaser. With proper storage, you can enjoy them as leftovers or freeze them for future meals. Explore the joy of cooking and sharing with these delicious meatballs, and don’t forget to try new variations for endless flavor possibilities.
