Marinara Meatballs

These Easy Marinara Meatballs are made with just 4 ingredients and ready in less than 30 minutes. These are the best meatballs with classic Italian flavors. Perfect for everything from game day to holiday appetizers to an easy weekday meal everyone will enjoy.

These Marinara Meatballs are everything you love about simple recipes. Made with common, minimal ingredients, ready in under 30 minutes, and mostly hands off.

And of course, they have to be tasty. And these saucy Italian meatballs are most definitely delicious. Fast, easy, delicious, what’s not to love? And you can make this recipe with homemade or store bought ingredients.

And these meatballs are great for everything from holiday parties or game day potluck appetizer to a simple but delicious weekday family dinner everyone always loves. Serve it with a Simple Green Salad and Cheesy Garlic Bread for an easy Italian night dinner.

Why You’ll Love These Meatballs

• Delicious – These delicious meatballs are great for holiday gatherings and parties. Tender, juicy meatballs are drizzled with marinara and melted cheese.
• Easy Recipe –  These are made with just 4 ingredients and ready in about 30 minutes. Perfect for an easy dinner.     
• Festive – This meatball marinara recipe is a perfect hot appetizer for holiday parties.

Marinara Meatball Recipe Ingredients

You only need a handful of ingredients to make this deliciously classic recipe.

Frozen meatballs – You can use my recipe for homemade meatballs too

Marinara sauce – Use your favorite brand or homemade tomato sauce recipe to make your own red sauce

Mozzarella Cheese – Use freshly shredded instead of packaged cheese for best results and best flavor

Fresh Parsley – For garnish

Equipment Needed For This Recipe 

• Measuring Cups
• Cutting Board
• Sharp Knife 
• Baking Sheet
• Parchment Paper
• Toothpicks

Substitutions & Alterations

• You can use a store bought or homemade Marinara sauce for this recipe.
  Sub fresh basil or Italian seasoning for the parsley for bigger flavor
• You can use beef, chicken, or turkey meatballs. Or even frozen vegan meatballs 
• Add grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
• Use the meatballs to make authentic Italian meatball subs.

How to Make the Best Marinara Meatballs

Step by Step Instructions overview – Full recipe in recipe card below. 

Step 1 – Preheat oven and chop parsley. Place meatballs on a baking sheet.

Step 2 – Bake the meatballs according to package directions. (We used Great Value, and preheated the oven to 350 degrees, and baked meatballs for 15 minutes). Remove the cooked, browned meatballs from the oven, and switch to broil. Spoon a little bit of marinara sauce over the meatballs,

Step 2 -Next, top meatballs with shredded cheese. 

Step 3 – Broil for about 2 minutes until the cheese is bubbly, watching closely to not burn them.

Step 4 – Remove the meatballs from the oven, top with parsley, and insert a toothpick into the center of each for easy handling.

Time Saving Tips & Tricks

• For added flavor, try using a combination of ground beef and ground pork meatballs.
• Ensure the meatballs are placed in a single layer on the baking sheet to ensure even cooking.
• Freshly shredded mozzarella melts better than prepackaged shredded mozz.
• Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

How to Serve These Easy Meatballs

• Classic spaghetti and meatballs, or over your favorite pasta with some extra grated parmesan and red pepper flakes
• As a platter or in a large bowl with a hefty side of Garlic Bread and a side salad
• My favorite way: In a classic Italian meatball sub or meatball sandwiches with a side of potato chips, french fries, or Homemade Potato Wedges.
• As an appetizer nor part of a charcuterie board for potlucks or the holidays

How to Store Marinara Meatballs

Allow leftover meatballs to cool completely before storing.

To Refrigerate – Place cooled meatballs in a zip top bag or airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 4 days.

To Freeze – Place meatballs in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag, place the date on it, and freeze for up to 3 months.

How to Reheat Leftover Meatballs

Reheat meatballs in the microwave in a microwave safe dish for 2-3 minutes on high. Don’t overcook them or you end up with tough meatballs.

More Meatball Recipes

BBQ Sauce and Grape Jelly

Honey Garlic Meatballs

Cranberry Sauce Meatballs 

Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

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