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Monster Meatballs Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 84 reviews

These Monster Meatballs combine ground beef and pork with aromatic herbs, Parmesan, and breadcrumbs for a hearty, flavorful dish. Baked first to develop a golden crust, they simmer in a rich homemade marinara sauce made with fresh basil, oregano, and crushed tomatoes. Served over pasta with extra Parmesan, this comforting Italian-American classic is perfect for family dinners or special gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatballs

  • 1 lb. ground beef (preferably 80% lean)
  • 1 lb. ground pork
  • 2 tsp. kosher salt
  • 1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 1 large egg
  • 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
  • 1 c. finely shredded or grated Parmesan
  • 1/2 c. plain breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 c. chopped fresh parsley
  • Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling

Marinara Sauce

  • 1/4 c. extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 (15-oz.) cans crushed tomatoes
  • 1 c. water
  • 1 c. fresh basil leaves
  • 2 tsp. dried oregano
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Large pinch of crushed red pepper flakes

To Serve

  • Cooked pasta
  • Finely grated Parmesan

Instructions

  1. Preheat and prepare meat mixture: Arrange a rack in the center of the oven and preheat it to 425°F. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef and ground pork. Season generously with 2 teaspoons kosher salt and 1 teaspoon black pepper. Add the finely chopped onion, egg, garlic, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, and chopped parsley. Mix gently using your hands or a rubber spatula until just combined without overworking the meat.
  2. Form meatballs: Divide the meat mixture into four equal portions, approximately 11 ounces each. Shape each portion into a large, firm ball. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet and drizzle the tops with extra-virgin olive oil to help browning.
  3. Bake meatballs initially: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven until both tops and bottoms start to brown, about 15 minutes. This step helps develop a flavorful crust and keeps the meatballs firm.
  4. Prepare marinara sauce: While the meatballs bake, heat 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy ovenproof pot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped small yellow onion and garlic, cooking and stirring occasionally until softened and translucent, about 7 minutes. Add the crushed tomatoes and water, stirring to combine. Incorporate fresh basil leaves and dried oregano, then season with kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a large pinch of crushed red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer, stirring often, then reduce heat to medium-low and let it simmer, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened and flavors meld, about 10 minutes.
  5. Reduce oven temperature and combine: Lower the oven temperature to 325°F. Transfer the browned meatballs carefully into the simmering marinara sauce in the Dutch oven. Spoon sauce over the meatballs to coat them thoroughly.
  6. Bake meatballs in sauce: Continue baking the meatballs in the sauce until fully cooked through, with an internal temperature of 165°F measured by an instant-read thermometer, about 30 minutes more. This slow baking finishes cooking the meatballs gently while infusing them with the sauce’s flavors.
  7. Serve: Serve the hot meatballs over cooked pasta. Spoon additional marinara sauce over the top and finish with a generous sprinkling of finely grated Parmesan cheese for a delicious, hearty meal.

Notes

  • For best flavor and texture, use 80% lean ground beef to keep meatballs juicy.
  • Do not overmix the meat mixture to avoid dense meatballs.
  • Using a thermometer ensures meatballs are safely cooked without drying out.
  • Extra-virgin olive oil drizzled on meatballs before baking helps browning and adds richness.
  • Leftover meatballs and sauce reheat well and can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Keywords: monster meatballs, baked meatballs, Italian meatballs, homemade marinara, comfort food, pasta dinner, meatball recipe

Find it online: https://kitchenbynora.com/monster-meatballs-recipe/