Cheesy Garlicky Meatballs With Marinara (Printable)

Tender beef and pork meatballs loaded with garlic and cheese, simmered in rich marinara sauce for Italian comfort.

# What you'll need:

→ Meatballs

01 - 1.1 lb ground beef
02 - 0.55 lb ground pork
03 - 1 cup fresh breadcrumbs
04 - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
05 - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
06 - 2 large eggs
07 - 3 garlic cloves, minced
08 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
09 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
10 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
11 - 1 teaspoon salt
12 - 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
13 - 0.25 cup whole milk
14 - 2 tablespoons olive oil for frying

→ Marinara Sauce

15 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
16 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
17 - 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
18 - 1 teaspoon dried basil
19 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
20 - 0.5 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
21 - 1 teaspoon sugar
22 - Salt and pepper to taste
23 - Fresh basil for garnish

# How to make it:

01 - In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, mozzarella, eggs, minced garlic, onion, parsley, oregano, salt, pepper, and milk. Mix until just combined without overworking the mixture.
02 - Shape the mixture into approximately 24 golf ball-sized meatballs.
03 - Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs in batches for 2 to 3 minutes on each side. Remove and set aside.
04 - In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons olive oil. Sauté minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
05 - Add crushed tomatoes, basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
06 - Gently nestle the browned meatballs into the sauce. Cover and simmer on low heat for 20 to 25 minutes until meatballs are cooked through.
07 - Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil. Accompany with pasta or crusty bread if desired.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • Features a savory blend of beef and pork for maximum flavor.
  • Loaded with both Parmesan and mozzarella for a cheesy center.
  • Includes a simple, rich homemade marinara sauce.
  • Easy to make gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs.
02 -
  • Use a cookie scoop to ensure all meatballs are the same size for even cooking.
  • Let the sauce simmer on low to allow the flavors of the dried herbs and garlic to fully develop.
  • Adding a teaspoon of sugar to the marinara helps balance the natural acidity of the canned tomatoes.
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