Cheesy Garlicky Meatballs With Marinara (Print Version)

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

# What You'll Need:

→ For the 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 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
10 - 1 tsp dried oregano
11 - 1 tsp salt
12 - ½ tsp black pepper
13 - ¼ cup whole milk
14 - 2 tbsp olive oil

→ For the Marinara Sauce

15 - 2 tbsp olive oil
16 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
17 - 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
18 - 1 tsp dried basil
19 - 1 tsp dried oregano
20 - ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
21 - 1 tsp sugar
22 - Salt and pepper to taste
23 - Fresh basil for garnish

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, mozzarella, eggs, minced garlic, onion, parsley, oregano, salt, pepper, and milk in a large bowl. Mix until just combined without overworking the meat.
02 - Form the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs, approximately 24 pieces.
03 - Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown meatballs in batches for 2-3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
04 - Add 2 tbsp olive oil to the same skillet. 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 browned meatballs into the sauce. Cover and simmer on low heat for 20-25 minutes until meatballs are cooked through.
07 - Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil. Accompany with pasta of choice.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • The beef and pork blend creates richness that makes people pause mid conversation
  • Simmering in the sauce means every bite absorbs flavor instead of sitting on top
  • Leftovers somehow taste better the next day when the garlic has had time to mellow
02 -
  • Overmixing makes tough meatballs, trust the brief mixing method
  • The milk soaked breadcrumb trick is non negotiable for texture
  • Simmering in sauce beats baking because the sauce penetrates every layer
03 -
  • Test one meatball in the sauce first before committing all of them
  • Let the mixture rest in the fridge for 30 minutes if you have time
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