Here’s a simple recipe for marinara sauce with meatballs:
Ingredients:
For the Marinara Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil, for frying
Instructions:
- Make the Marinara Sauce:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook until they are soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Pour in crushed tomatoes and diced tomatoes. Stir in dried oregano and basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If you prefer a slightly sweeter sauce, add a teaspoon of sugar.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer gently while you prepare the meatballs.
- Prepare the Meatballs:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.
- In a separate skillet, heat a couple of tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook until they are browned on all sides and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.
- Once all meatballs are cooked, transfer them to the marinara sauce.
- Finish Cooking:
- Gently stir the meatballs into the marinara sauce until they are coated.
- Allow the meatballs to simmer in the sauce for an additional 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve the meatballs and marinara sauce over cooked spaghetti or your favorite pasta. Optionally, garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves.
Enjoy your delicious homemade marinara sauce with meatballs!
