Easy Mini Meatballs in Marinara Recipe

Recipe Overview

Indulge in a warm, comforting dish with our easy mini meatballs in marinara recipe. This delightful meal combines tender, flavorful meatballs nestled in a rich, tangy marinara sauce that evokes the charm of classic Italian cuisine. Perfect for cozy family dinners, gatherings, or even a delightful weeknight meal, this dish is a staple in many homes, bringing smiles with every bite.

Originating from Italy, meatballs have traversed the globe, evolving into countless variations. What sets our recipe apart is the harmonious blend of spices and the option to make homemade mini meatballs in marinara from scratch, ensuring authenticity and flavor. Whether you opt for traditional beef meatballs or try a vegan mini meatballs in marinara option, you’re in for a treat that is bound to impress your family and friends.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Serving Size: 4 servings

Ingredients

For the Mini Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey, pork, or vegan substitute)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (can substitute with gluten-free breadcrumbs)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for vegan option)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/4 cup milk (or almond milk for dairy-free version)

For the Marinara Sauce:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 tsp sugar (optional, to cut acidity)
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Equipment List

• Mixing bowl
• Fork or whisk
• Large skillet or saucepan
• Baking sheet
• Oven
• Spatula or tongs
• Cooking thermometer (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures your meatballs will cook evenly and become beautifully golden.
2. Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese (if using), chopped parsley, egg, minced garlic, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and milk. Use your hands or a fork to mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix, which can toughen the meatballs.
3. Form the Meatballs: Using your hands, scoop about 1-inch portions of the mixture and roll them into balls. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. You should yield about 20-25 meatballs, depending on the size.
4. Bake the Meatballs: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until they are browned and cooked through. A cooking thermometer inserted in the center of a meatball should read 160°F (70°C).
5. Make the Marinara Sauce: While the meatballs are baking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
6. Add Tomatoes: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir well. If desired, add sugar to reduce acidity, followed by dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer the sauce for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
7. Combine Meatballs and Sauce: Once the meatballs are cooked, carefully add them to the marinara sauce in the skillet. Gently stir to coat all the meatballs in the sauce and allow them to simmer together on low heat for an additional 5 minutes.
8. Serve: Your mini meatballs in marinara are ready to serve! Plate them generously with the sauce, sprinkling additional parsley or Parmesan cheese on top if desired. Pair with spaghetti, crusty bread, or serve over polenta.

Special Notes

To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil to prevent sticking. For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked meatballs in marinara sauce for up to three months.

Troubleshooting: If you find that the sauce is too thick, simply add 1-2 tablespoons of water or milk until achieving the desired consistency. If the meatballs are falling apart, consider adding a bit more breadcrumbs to the meat mixture for better binding.

Variations and Customizations

Don’t hesitate to customize your meatballs! For a gluten-free version, just swap regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free ones. If you’re seeking a vegan option, substitute ground meat with lentils, chickpeas, or a plant-based meat alternative, and use a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water) instead of a regular egg.

Experiment with adding finely chopped vegetables like spinach or bell peppers into the meatball mixture for extra nutrition and flavor. You can also try different cheese options such as feta or mozzarella to enhance taste.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of mini meatballs in marinara provides approximately:

• Calories: 300
• Protein: 25g
• Fat: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 1g

Engaging Visual Details

Imagine a platter of mini meatballs, glistening with a rich, red marinara sauce that balances tanginess and sweetness. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will be an irresistible medley of garlic and herbs. When plated, these meatballs should look plump and inviting, garnished with vibrant green parsley for a pop of color. Close your eyes, and a single taste transports you to an Italian trattoria, each bite tender, flavorful, and satisfying.

For enhanced engagement, consider including images that showcase the various stages: mixing the meatball ingredients, baking in the oven, and plating the final dish. A video tutorial could be incredibly helpful for visual learners, detailing the step-by-step process.

Conclusion

Now that you have the knowledge to create easy mini meatballs in marinara from scratch, it’s time to bring this comforting dish to your dining table! Perfect for sharing and satisfying for every palate, these meatballs will quickly become a family favorite.

We encourage you to try this delightful recipe and share your experiences with us! Leave a comment below if you tried this recipe or share your version on Instagram and tag us with MyDeliciousDish. Happy cooking!