• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Recipes by Nora
  • Recipe Index
  • About me
  • Contact
  • Subscribe
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • TikTok
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipe Index
  • About me
  • Contact
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipe Index
    • About me
    • Contact
    • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×
    Home » Noodles and Pasta Recipes

    Meatballs with Marinara Sauce

    Published: Jan 7, 2023 by Nora Reyes · This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through links on our site, we may earn a commission. · 3 Comments

    58 shares
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Email
    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

    Tender, juicy Meatballs with Marinara Sauce served over spaghetti or tapas-style with some bread.

    Meatballs with marinara sauce and garlic bread on a plate
    Jump to:
    • Ingredients you'll need
    • Notes and substitutions
    • How to make this recipe
    • Recipe FAQs
    • Other noodles and pasta recipes you may like
    • 📖 Recipe
    • 💬 Comments

    Ingredients you'll need

    Individual ingredients for meatballs
    Meatball ingredients (oil, salt, and pepper are not in the picture)
    Individual ingredients for marinara sauce
    Marinara sauce ingredients (salt and pepper are not in the picture)

    Notes and substitutions

    • Ground meat: Use a blend of ground meats (beef, pork, veal, or chicken) for moisture, flavor, and texture. I recommend 80% to 90% lean meat for the ideal meat-to-fat ratio.
    • Breadcrumbs: They give meatballs a tender, lighter texture. By absorbing the liquid in the mixture, they also make the meatballs moist and juicy. You can use plain, Italian-style, or panko breadcrumbs.
    • Crushed tomatoes: You can also use a can of whole peeled tomatoes and crush them to your desired consistency. In a pinch, you can use tomato sauce which has a thin, smooth consistency made from puréed tomatoes.

    How to make this recipe

    Step 1: Combine 2 pounds ground meat, ¾ cup breadcrumbs, ¼ cup milk, 1 cup parmesan cheese, 2 eggs, 1 onion, 1 tablespoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon dried oregano, ¼ cup chopped parsley, salt (about one teaspoon kosher salt or less for table salt), and ground pepper (to taste) in a large bowl.

    Meatball ingredients in a large bowl

    Step 2: With your hands, mix until evenly combined. Roll into balls about 2 inches in diameter (or any size, depending on your preference).

    Use a cookie scoop to make meatballs of equal size. Don't overmix or overpack the meatballs, as it will make them tough when cooked.

    Holding a meatball over the bowl of the meatball mixture.

    Step 3: Set a sauté pan or a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add some oil and sear the meatballs until browned for about 3 minutes. Set them aside.

    Searing the meatballs in a saute pan.

    Step 4: Set the same pan over medium heat, then add ¼ cup olive oil. Sauté 1 onion, 6 garlic cloves, and a pinch of crushed red pepper for about 2 minutes. Scrape the fond or browned bits off the bottom of the pan.

    Sauteing the aromatics in a saute pan.

    Step 5: Add 1 (28-ounce) can of crushed tomatoes, 1 teaspoon sugar, ½ teaspoon dried oregano, 2 bay leaves, some salt, and pepper to taste. Mix it and let it simmer.

    Mixing the marinara sauce in the saute pan.

    Step 6: Add the meatballs to the sauce. Cover and simmer for about 20 minutes. Taste and adjust as needed.

    Simmering the meatballs and marinara sauce.

    Step 7: Add parmesan cheese and fresh basil, as desired.

    Adding parmesan cheese and basil to the meatballs with marinara sauce.

    Serve Meatballs with Marinara Sauce over spaghetti or tapas-style with bread.

    You may also like to try Spaghetti Carbonara and Anchovy Pasta with Breadcrumbs, or Asian-inspired pasta and noodles including Baked Macaroni, Pancit Canton, and Yaki Udon.

    Meatballs with marinara sauce over spaghetti.

    Recipe FAQs

    What is the secret to good meatballs?

    Use a blend of ground meats with enough fat for juicy, flavorful meatballs. Breadcrumbs will keep them moist and tender.

    To ensure they are well-seasoned, fry a small amount of mixture before forming them into balls, then adjust as needed. Mix the ingredients just until incorporated—overmixing will make the meatballs dense and tough.

    Can you make meatballs without eggs?

    Eggs act as a binder and add moisture to meatballs. You can skip the eggs by using meat with higher fat content, holding the meatballs together.

    Breadcrumbs or flour can also serve as a binder. Ground chicken is generally so sticky that a binder isn't necessary.

    Don't overload the meatballs with extra ingredients that may cause them to fall apart.

    What is marinara sauce?

    Marinara sauce is a red sauce that contains tomatoes, garlic, herbs, and olive oil. Other variations may include onions, carrots, celery, wine, or spices.

    You can use marinara sauce as a pasta sauce or dipping sauce, on pizza, or add ground meat to make spaghetti sauce.

    Other noodles and pasta recipes you may like

    • Lomi in a bowl with a fork swirled with noodles.
      Lomi Recipe
    • Sotanghon Guisado rolled by a fork.
      Sotanghon Guisado Recipe
    • Sopas in a bowl.
      Sopas Recipe
    • Macaroni Salad in a red bowl.
      Filipino Macaroni Salad Recipe

    Did you make this recipe? I would love to know! Your feedback helps me make better recipes.  Please rate, review, or comment below. Questions about this recipe are welcome, too!

    Let's connect on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok, Twitter, and Youtube. Be sure to tag me when you try any of my recipes @recipesbynora!

    📖 Recipe

    Meatballs with marinara sauce and garlic bread on a plate.

    Meatballs with Marinara Sauce

    Tender, juicy meatballs simmered in a flavorful marinara sauce.
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Appetizer, Main Course, Side Dish
    Cuisine: American, Italian
    Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 40 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 50 minutes minutes
    Servings: 8
    Calories: 287kcal
    Author: Nora Rey
    Cost: $16-$18

    Equipment

    • Large sauté pan or Dutch oven
    • Cookie scoop (optional)

    Ingredients

    For the meatballs:

    • 2 pounds ground meat blend (see note)
    • ¾ cup breadcrumbs (see note)
    • ¼ cup milk sub:water
    • 1 cup grated parmesan cheese more for serving
    • 2 eggs
    • 1 yellow onion minced
    • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
    • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
    • ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
    • Olive oil or neutral oil for searing and sautéing
    • Salt and pepper to taste (I used about 1 teaspoon kosher salt or less for table salt)

    For the marinara sauce:

    • ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
    • 1 yellow onion minced
    • 6 cloves garlic minced
    • Crushed red pepper a pinch
    • 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes (see note)
    • 1 teaspoon sugar or more
    • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
    • 2 dried bay leaves
    • Salt and pepper to taste

    For serving:

    • Parmesan cheese
    • Fresh basil leaves optional
    • Spaghetti or bread optional
    US Customary - Metric

    Instructions

    • Combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, milk, parmesan cheese, eggs, onion, garlic powder, oregano, parsley, salt (about one teaspoon kosher salt or less for table salt), and ground pepper (to taste) in a large bowl.
    • With your hands, mix until evenly combined. Roll into balls about 2 inches in diameter (or any size, depending on your preference). Use a cookie scoop to make meatballs of equal size. Don't overmix or overpack the meatballs, as it will make them tough when cooked.
    • Set a sauté pan or a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add some oil and sear the meatballs until browned for about 3 minutes. Set them aside.
    • Set the same pan over medium heat, then add olive oil. Sauté onions, garlic, and crushed red pepper for about 2 minutes. Scrape the fond or browned bits off the bottom of the pan.
    • Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, sugar, bay leaves, some salt, and pepper to taste. Mix it and let it simmer.
    • Add the meatballs back into the sauce. Cover and simmer for about 20 minutes. Taste and adjust as needed.
    • Add parmesan cheese and fresh basil, as desired.
    • Serve over spaghetti or tapas-style with bread.

    Video

    Notes

    • Ground meat: Use a blend of ground meats (beef, pork, veal, or chicken) for moisture, flavor, and texture. I recommend 80% to 90% lean meat for the ideal meat-to-fat ratio.
    • Breadcrumbs: They give meatballs a tender, lighter texture. By absorbing the liquid in the mixture, they also make the meatballs moist and juicy. You can use plain, Italian-style, or panko breadcrumbs.
    • Crushed tomatoes: You can also use a can of whole peeled tomatoes and crush them to your desired consistency. In a pinch, you can use tomato sauce which has a thin, smooth consistency made from puréed tomatoes.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 287kcalCarbohydrates: 21gProtein: 9gFat: 19gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 0.03gCholesterol: 53mgSodium: 736mgPotassium: 435mgFiber: 3gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 558IUVitamin C: 14mgCalcium: 197mgIron: 2mg
    Disclaimer: The nutritional information provided here is solely for informational purposes. I am not a certified nutritionist, and this data hasn't been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration or any other authority. It shouldn't be seen as health or nutrition advice. The figures are estimates calculated from various food composition databases and might vary based on product types, brands, natural variations in produce, and ingredient processing methods. Individual results may differ.
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @recipesbynora or tag #RecipesByNora!

    More Noodles and Pasta Recipes

    • Filipino Spaghetti topped with grated cheese on a plate.
      Filipino Spaghetti Recipe
    • Cooked almondigas scooped by a spoon.
      Almondigas Recipe
    • Pancit palabok topped wtih sliced soft boiled egg, shrimp, and sliced lemon in a bowl.
      Pancit Palabok Recipe
    • Pancit bihon on a plate.
      Pancit Bihon Recipe
    58 shares
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Email

    About the author

    Hi, I'm Nora! 

    Whether you're new to Filipino food or have loved it for so long, I sure am happy you're here!  I hope you'll find useful recipes that you can enjoy and share with family and friends.

    Learn more about me →

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Mayet

      January 08, 2023 at 12:44 am

      5 stars
      I love how good this looks. I’m definitelg making this one. Thank you!

      Reply
      • Nora Rey

        January 08, 2023 at 12:46 am

        Hello Mayet, thank you and I hope you'll give it a try. =)

        Reply
      • Nora Rey

        April 10, 2023 at 11:00 am

        Absolutely! Thank you so much for your kind words! I'm thrilled to hear that you love how it looks and that you're planning to make it. Let me know how it turns out!

        Reply
    5 from 2 votes (1 rating without comment)

    Thanks for coming! Let me know what you think: Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating





    Primary Sidebar

    Hi, I'm Nora! Whether you're new to Filipino food or have loved it for so long, I sure am happy you're here!  I hope you'll find useful recipes that you can enjoy and share with family and friends.

    More about me →

    Popular Recipes

    • Grilled Pork Belly on a plate with pickled vegetables and spicy vinegar dipping sauce.
      Inihaw na Liempo Recipe

    • Beef stir fry with onions and peppers in a wok zoomed in.
      Beef Stir Fry with Onions & Peppers

    • Mackerel on Olive oil on a plate.
      Mackerel in Olive Oil

    • Beef Caldereta topped on a rice served on a plate.
      Beef Caldereta Recipe

    • Buko Pandan on a glass dish cup topped with ice cream covered be rice crisps.
      Buko Pandan Salad Recipe

    • Assorted Filipino foods on a table covered in banana leaf for a Kamayan Feast.
      Kamayan Feast: Bringing Family and Friends Together

    Seasonal Desserts

    You must use the category name, not a URL, in the category field.

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Accessibility Statement
    • Cookie Policy
    • Disclaimer
    • Image Use & Copyright
    • Privacy Policy

    Contact

    • Contact

    Copyright © 2023 RECIPES BY NORA

    We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
    Do not sell my personal information.
    Cookie SettingsAccept
    Manage consent

    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
    Necessary
    Always Enabled
    Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
    CookieDurationDescription
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
    cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
    viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
    Functional
    Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
    Performance
    Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
    Analytics
    Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
    Advertisement
    Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
    Others
    Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
    SAVE & ACCEPT
    58 shares

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.