Description
Make easy, freezer-friendly mini meatballs in marinara sauce. These are perfect for busy parents and appeal to kids.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk (or non-dairy alternative)
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 24 ounce jar marinara sauce
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, Parmesan (if using), Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Mix gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly browned.
- Pour the marinara sauce into a large pot or Dutch oven. Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat.
- Add the baked meatballs to the simmering sauce.
- Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and tender.
- Serve hot over pasta, rice, or with bread.
Notes
- For picky eaters, serve meatballs and sauce separately or offer pasta on the side.
- To freeze, let the cooked meatballs in sauce cool completely. Portion into freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Thaw frozen meatballs and sauce in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6-8 meatballs with sauce
- Calories: 300-400
- Sugar: 8-12g
- Sodium: 400-600mg
- Fat: 15-25g
- Saturated Fat: 5-10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8-15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15-20g
- Fiber: 3-5g
- Protein: 20-25g
- Cholesterol: 60-80mg