Description
Classic and flavorful ground beef meatballs simmered in a rich marinara sauce, perfect for a comforting family meal served with pasta or crusty bread.
Ingredients
Meatball Mixture
- 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
Cooking
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cups marinara sauce (for simmering)
Instructions
- Gather Ingredients: Collect all ingredients on your countertop to ensure a smooth and organized cooking process.
- Mix Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped onion, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined to avoid overworking the meat.
- Shape Meatballs: Form the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, to ensure even cooking.
- Sear Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the meatballs in batches, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes total.
- Simmer in Sauce: Pour marinara sauce over the seared meatballs in the skillet. Cover and let them simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes until cooked through and flavors meld.
Notes
- Do not overmix the meat to keep meatballs tender.
- Use a thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 160°F for safety.
- For added flavor, use Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs.
- Serve with spaghetti, garlic bread, or a side salad for a complete meal.
