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crushed tomato marinara sauce with meatballs

(3 ratings)
Quinnn avatar
Recipe by
Family Favorites
@Quinnn
Not Far From Green Bay, WI

This recipe was given to me by a chef at a local Italian restaurant that he personally uses at home. Very fresh and light... perfect for lighter summer dining. I always keep a large can of crushed tomatoes in my pantry so that I can whip this up for a quick delicious meal.

(3 ratings)
yield 4 serving(s)
prep time 20 Min
cook time 45 Min
method Stove Top

Ingredients For crushed tomato marinara sauce with meatballs

  • CRUSHED TOMATO SAUCE
  • 1
    large can crushed tomatoes (28 oz.)
  • 1/4
    tsp. pepper
  • 1
    tsp. basil
  • 1
    tsp. oregano
  • 4
    cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2-1
    tsp. salt, to taste
  • 2-3
    tb. brown sugar, or to taste depending on the sweetness of your canned tomatoes (i use 3 tb. usually)
  • small splash of red wine, if you have any opened, totally optional
  • MEATBALLS
  • 1
    lb. ground chuck
  • 3
    cloves garlic
  • 1/2
    onion
  • 1/2
    tsp. salt
  • 1/4
    tsp. pepper
  • 1
    egg, slightly beaten
  • 1/3
    cup parmesan cheese
  • 3/4-1
    cup dried italian breadcrumbs
  • 1
    tb. dried parsley (fresh flatleaf parsley, chopped, if you have it)

How To Make crushed tomato marinara sauce with meatballs

  • 1
    For Sauce: Combine all sauce ingredients in medium saucepan and simmer gently for 15 minutes. Taste test salt and sugar.
  • 2
    For Meatballs: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In small processor, combine onion and garlic and process until fine. Place all meatball ingredients in a large ziplock bag. Zip and combine until JUST incorporated. Over-working will make meatballs tough.
  • 3
    Roll into 1 1/2" balls. Place in a 13x9" parchment lined baking dish. Bake at 350 degrees for 11-12 minutes. (Slightly under cook.)
  • 4
    Add meatballs to sauce and simmer gently for 15 minutes or until cooked through. Serve with your favorite pasta and salad.
  • Last Step: Don't forget to share! Make all your friends drool by posting a picture of your finished recipe on your favorite social network. And don't forget to tag Just A Pinch and include #justapinchrecipes so we can see it too!
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