Mini Meatballs with Marinara Sauce Recipe
If you are looking for a crowd-pleasing, comforting dish that’s packed with flavor and perfect for any occasion, you have to try this Mini Meatballs with Marinara Sauce Recipe. These little bites of joy combine juicy, well-seasoned meatballs with the rich, tangy goodness of marinara sauce, creating a harmonious taste experience that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re serving them as a main course, an appetizer, or a party snack, this recipe is guaranteed to bring smiles to the table and make your kitchen smell absolutely amazing.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is the first step towards nailing this Mini Meatballs with Marinara Sauce Recipe. Each component plays a vital role in bringing the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color to your dish, from the savory meat to the fresh herbs and cheese.
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey/chicken): The base of the meatballs, offering a juicy and meaty flavor that holds everything together.
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (or gluten-free alternative): Adds structure and keeps the meatballs tender and moist without being dense.
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Introduces a savory, nutty richness that elevates every bite.
- 1 egg: Acts as the binding agent to help the meatballs maintain their shape while baking.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the mixture with an aromatic warmth that complements the meat perfectly.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds depth and authentic Italian flavor.
- ½ tsp salt: Enhances the overall taste by balancing and bringing out the natural flavors.
- ¼ tsp black pepper: Provides a subtle kick and enhances complexity.
- 1 ½ cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought): The luscious tomato sauce that coats the meatballs with a tangy, savory finish.
- Extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil for garnish: Adds a beautiful, fresh touch and extra burst of flavor when serving.
How to Make Mini Meatballs with Marinara Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C) and preparing a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This step ensures your meatballs cook evenly and prevents them from sticking, making cleanup easier.
Step 2: Prepare the Meatball Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine your choice of ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir gently just until everything is blended — being careful not to overmix keeps the meatballs tender and juicy instead of tough.
Step 3: Form the Meatballs
Roll the mixture into small, 1-inch meatballs using your hands. Try to make them uniform in size so they bake evenly. Place the formed meatballs on your lined baking sheet, giving them a little space to cook properly.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Pop the meatballs into the preheated oven and bake for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until they turn a beautiful golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This baking method keeps them moist while developing a lovely crust.
Step 5: Serve with Marinara Sauce
While the meatballs bake, warm your marinara sauce in a pan over low heat. Once the meatballs are done, either pour the sauce over them or serve the sauce on the side as a dipping option. Don’t forget to sprinkle extra Parmesan and fresh basil on top for that irresistible finishing touch!
How to Serve Mini Meatballs with Marinara Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan and a handful of torn fresh basil leaves take these mini meatballs from delicious to unforgettable. The cheese adds an extra savory layer, while the basil brings a vibrant, fresh aroma that wakes up every bite.
Side Dishes
These mini meatballs shine alongside simple sides like garlic bread, creamy polenta, or a crisp green salad. Each side provides a wonderful contrast, rounding out the meal with complementary textures and flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or casual gatherings, serve your Mini Meatballs with Marinara Sauce Recipe on toothpicks alongside a bowl of warm sauce for easy dipping. Alternatively, tuck them into soft rolls with melted mozzarella for meatball sliders that everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce and meatballs separate to preserve the best texture and freshness.
Freezing
These mini meatballs freeze beautifully! Arrange the baked meatballs on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months and make a convenient meal anytime.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw frozen meatballs overnight in the fridge. Warm them gently in marinara sauce over low heat until heated through, or microwave covered in short bursts to avoid drying out.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Both turkey and chicken work well in this Mini Meatballs with Marinara Sauce Recipe and offer a lighter alternative without sacrificing flavor.
Is it possible to make these meatballs gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap the regular breadcrumbs for a gluten-free variety or use crushed gluten-free crackers. This change keeps the recipe accessible without compromising on texture.
Can I bake the meatballs ahead of time?
You can bake the meatballs earlier in the day and keep them refrigerated until ready to serve. Just reheat gently in the marinara sauce before serving for best results.
What if I don’t have Parmesan cheese?
If you’re out of Parmesan, you can substitute with Pecorino Romano or skip it altogether, though it does add a lovely depth you might miss.
How spicy is this recipe? Can I add heat?
This Mini Meatballs with Marinara Sauce Recipe is mild by default, but you can easily add red pepper flakes to the sauce or meat mixture to bring a little kick if you enjoy spice.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Mini Meatballs with Marinara Sauce Recipe enough for anyone who loves simple, flavorful dishes with a homemade touch. It’s one of those recipes that’s quick to prepare, endlessly versatile, and guaranteed to become a favorite in your recipe box. So go ahead, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy these delightful mini meatballs that promise to bring warmth and satisfaction to your table!
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Mini Meatballs with Marinara Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
Delicious mini meatballs baked to perfection and served with savory marinara sauce, perfect for appetizers or a hearty meal. Made with ground beef, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning, these meatballs are easy to prepare and sure to please any crowd.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey/chicken)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (or gluten-free alternative)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Marinara Sauce & Garnish
- 1 ½ cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- Extra Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven – Set the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture – In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined, avoiding overmixing to keep meatballs tender.
- Form the Meatballs – Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs using your hands, then place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake – Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the meatballs for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they develop a golden brown exterior and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), indicating they are fully cooked.
- Serve – While the meatballs bake, warm the marinara sauce in a pan on the stovetop. Once the meatballs are done, either pour the heated marinara sauce over them or serve the sauce on the side as a dip. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Don’t overmix the meatball mixture to keep the meatballs tender and juicy.
- Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure meatballs are safely cooked.
- Marinara sauce can be homemade or store-bought, depending on convenience.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
