Skillet Meatballs in Marinara Sauce

Cooking Meatballs in a cast iron skillet

Cooking Meatballs in a cast iron skillet

On a busy weekday, Easy Skillet Meatballs with Marinara is the ideal recipe for a family dinner. It comes together quickly and tastes fantastic! These quick and easy skillet meatballs only require four ingredients and take only a few minutes to prepare.

If you want to be fancy, add some grated Parmesan cheese or frozen spinach to the meatball mixture (thaw and squeeze out the moisture first). This dish is delicious with spaghetti, zoodles (spiralized zucchini), or toasted buns with provolone cheese on top.

These quick skillet meatballs and marinara are delicious in any form, and your family and friends will go crazy for them!

Cooking Meatballs in a cast iron skillet

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 10 min Cook Time 35 min Total Time 45 mins
Servings: 6 Calories: 632
Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Ingredient

MEATBALLS

Instructions

  1. Squeeze the Italian sausage out of the casing and into a large mixing dish to make the meatballs.

  2. Squeeze the Italian sausage out of the casing and into a large mixing dish to make the meatballs. Combine the breadcrumbs, egg, and diced onion in a mixing bowl. Mix the ingredients together with your hands until they are completely blended. 

  3. Make 24 ping pong ball-sized balls out of the mixture.

  4. In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Pour in the olive oil and tilt the pan to coat everything. Cook until the meatballs are browned on the outside (a couple minutes on each side). 

  5. If necessary, divide the meatballs into two batches to allow for movement. Remove the meatballs from the skillet to a clean platter after they have browned.

  6. Add the second half of the diced onion, as well as two garlic cloves, to the skillet. Sauté until soft and translucent in the remaining oil and fat from the meatballs.

  7. Add the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, brown sugar, and tomato paste once the vegetables have softened. Stir until the tomato paste is evenly distributed throughout the crushed tomatoes.

  8. Return the meatballs to the skillet and toss gently to coat them in the sauce. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook the meatballs in the sauce for 15 minutes.

  9. While the meatballs are simmering, prepare the noodles.

  10. Drain the spaghetti and divide it among four bowls, along with four meatballs and a scoop of sauce.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 6


Amount Per Serving
Calories 632kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 24.7g38%
Sodium 1106.7mg47%
Total Carbohydrate 72.23g25%
Dietary Fiber 0.01g1%
Protein 27.59g56%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Keep the browned meatballs in the skillet and pour a large jar of store-bought marinara over top. Allow the sauce to come to a simmer, then cover and leave the meatballs to cook for 15 minutes in the sauce.

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