The Magic of Meatballs: A Simple Recipe for Homemade Marinara Sauce

Meatballs are a classic comfort food, loved by people of all ages. They're versatile, easy to make, and can be served in a variety of ways. But sometimes, the best meatballs are those made with a homemade marinara sauce, adding a depth of flavor that can't be replicated with store-bought varieties. This recipe will guide you through making delicious meatballs and a rich, flavorful marinara sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients You'll Need

For the Meatballs:

• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 or 90/10)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Marinara Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup red wine (optional)
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Making the Meatballs

1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).

2. In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients for the meatballs. Mix well using your hands until everything is thoroughly combined. You want the mixture to be cohesive but not overly wet.

3. Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs. You can use a spoon or your hands to roll the meatballs into a uniform shape.

4. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. You can also use a baking dish, ensuring there's enough space between the meatballs for even cooking.

5. Bake the meatballs for 20-25 minutes, or until they are cooked through and no longer pink in the center.

Crafting the Marinara Sauce

1. While the meatballs are baking, heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.

2. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.

3. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.

4. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, red wine (if using), oregano, basil, sugar, salt, and pepper.

5. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.

Putting It All Together

1. Once the meatballs are cooked, add them to the simmering marinara sauce.

2. Gently stir to coat the meatballs in the sauce. Let them simmer in the sauce for 10-15 minutes, allowing them to absorb the flavors.

Serving Your Delicious Creation

Serve the meatballs and marinara sauce over your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne.

You can also enjoy these meatballs as a main course with a side of mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad.

For a truly comforting meal, sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the finished dish.

Tips for Success

• To prevent the meatballs from sticking to the baking sheet, spray the parchment paper with cooking spray or use a non-stick baking sheet.
• For a richer flavor, use a combination of ground beef and pork.
• If you don't have red wine, you can substitute with equal parts water and beef broth.
• Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your taste.
• This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled for a larger crowd.
• For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs.

Enjoy your delicious homemade meatballs and marinara sauce!