Best 6 Meatless Meatballs In Marinara Sauce Recipes

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Craving a hearty and flavorful meatless meal? Look no further than these mouthwatering meatless meatballs in marinara sauce. Crafted with a blend of plant-based ingredients like lentils, oats, and walnuts, these meatballs offer a satisfying texture and rich umami flavor that rivals traditional meat meatballs. Simmered in a velvety marinara sauce made from scratch, this dish is a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Whether you're a vegetarian, vegan, or simply looking for a healthier alternative to meat-based meatballs, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.

This article features two variations of the recipe: a classic marinara sauce and a spicy arrabbiata sauce. Both sauces are bursting with flavor and perfectly complement the tender and juicy meatballs. The classic marinara sauce offers a balanced blend of tomatoes, herbs, and spices, while the arrabbiata sauce adds a fiery kick with the addition of chili peppers. Whether you prefer a traditional or a spicy twist, these sauces will elevate the meatballs to a whole new level.

To complete your meatless meatball experience, the article includes a recipe for a creamy and flavorful vegan Alfredo sauce. Made with a combination of cashews, nutritional yeast, and almond milk, this sauce is rich, decadent, and oh-so-satisfying. Drizzle it over the meatballs and pasta for an indulgent and comforting meal that is sure to impress.

So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and let's embark on a culinary journey to create these delightful meatless meatballs in marinara sauce. From the hearty meatballs to the flavorful sauces, this article has everything you need to make a delicious and satisfying meatless meal that will leave you and your loved ones craving for more.

Here are our top 6 tried and tested recipes!

MEATBALLS WITH MARINARA



Meatballs with Marinara image

Provided by Anne Burrell

Categories     main-dish

Time 4h30m

Yield 18 to 20 meatballs

Number Of Ingredients 22

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 pound diced pancetta
2 large Spanish onions, cut into 1/4-inch dice
Kosher salt
4 large garlic cloves, smashed and chopped
Pinch crushed red pepper
Four 28-ounce cans Italian plum San Marzano tomatoes
Extra-virgin olive oil
1 large onion, 1/4-inch dice
Salt
2 cloves garlic, smashed and chopped
Pinch crushed red pepper
1/2 pound ground beef
1/2 pound ground veal
1/2 pound ground pork
2 large eggs
1 cup grated Parmigiano
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh Italian parsley leaves
1 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1 cup dill pickles, chopped
1/2 bunch fresh chives, chopped
Serving suggestion: fresh ricotta, grilled garlic bread

Steps:

  • For the marinara sauce: Coat a large saucepot with olive oil and add the pancetta. Bring the pot to a medium-high heat and cook the pancetta for 4 to 5 minutes. Add the onions, season generously with salt and stir to coat with olive oil. Cook the onions for 6 to 7 minutes, stirring frequently. The onions should become very soft and aromatic but have no color. Add the garlic and crushed red pepper and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently.
  • Pulse to combine the tomatoes in a food processor. Add the tomatoes to the pot and rinse out 1 of the empty tomato cans with water and add that water to the pot (about 2 to 3 cups). Season generously with salt and TASTE IT!!!! Tomatoes take a lot of salt. Season in baby steps and taste every step of the way. Cook the sauce for 2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally and tasting frequently.
  • Use the sauce right away on pasta or for any other tomato sauce need. This sauce can also be cooled and stored in the refrigerator for a few days and freezes really well.
  • For the meatballs: Coat a large saute pan with olive oil, add the onions and bring to a medium-high heat. Season the onions generously with salt and cook for about 5 to 7 minutes. The onions should be very soft and aromatic but have no color. Add the garlic and the crushed red pepper and saute for another 1 to 2 minutes. Turn off heat and allow to cool.
  • In a large bowl combine the meats, eggs, Parmigiano, parsley and breadcrumbs. It works well to squish the mixture with your hands. Add the onion mixture and season generously with salt and squish some more. Add 1/2 cup water and do 1 final really good squish. The mixture should be quite wet. Test the seasoning of the mix by making a mini hamburger size patty and cooking it. The mixture should taste really good! If it doesn't it is probably missing salt. Add more. Add more anyway.
  • Preheat the oven to 500 degrees F.
  • Shape the meat into desired size. Some people like 'em big and some people like 'em small. I prefer meatballs slightly larger than a golf ball. Place them on a cookie sheet and bake them for about 15 minutes or until the meatballs are cooked all the way through. If using right away, add them to your big pot of marinara sauce. If not using right away, they can be frozen for later use. Serve with pasta and sauce or just eat them straight out of the pot! Top with fresh ricotta cheese, garnish with chopped pickles and chives and serve with grilled garlic bread. YUM!

MARINARA MEATBALLS RECIPE BY TASTY



Marinara Meatballs Recipe by Tasty image

Here's what you need: ground beef, ground beef, ground pork, ground pork, panko breadcrumbs, panko breadcrumbs, onion, onion, fresh parsley, fresh parsley, garlic, garlic, eggs, eggs, kosher salt, kosher salt, pepper, pepper, olive oil, onion, garlic, dried oregano, dried parsley, dried basil, red pepper flakes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, grated parmesan cheese

Provided by Matthew Johnson

Categories     Appetizers

Yield 40 meatballs

Number Of Ingredients 28

1 lb ground beef
1 lb ground beef
1 lb ground pork
1 lb ground pork
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
½ cup onion
½ cup onion, finely minced
¼ cup fresh parsley
¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 eggs
2 eggs
kosher salt
kosher salt, to taste
pepper
pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon dried parsley
1 tablespoon dried basil
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
⅓ cup tomato paste
2 cups tomato sauce
grated parmesan cheese, to serve

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
  • In a medium-size bowl mix together the beef, pork, bread crumbs, onion, parsley, garlic, eggs, salt, and pepper until just combined.
  • Take a walnut size of the meat mixture and roll into a ball. Repeat with remaining meat and transfer to an oiled rack on a sheet tray.
  • Bake meatballs for 15 minutes, until golden brown. Set aside.
  • Add a little oil to a pan on medium-high heat and cook the onions and garlic until they are deeply caramelized.
  • Add in the oregano, parsley, basil, red pepper flakes, tomato paste, and tomato sauce.
  • Stir the mixture and bring to a simmer for 5 minutes.
  • Add the meatballs and coat them with the sauce.
  • Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, poke with toothpicks, and serve!
  • Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 170 calories, Carbohydrate 6 grams, Fat 9 grams, Fiber 0 grams, Protein 13 grams, Sugar 1 gram

SIMPLE ITALIAN MEATBALLS IN MARINARA SAUCE



Simple Italian Meatballs in Marinara Sauce image

This recipe is based upon an Italian family recipe, modified for working or busy moms like me, who need something homemade but quick. While cooking the sauce, prepare a fresh salad and garlic bread to complete the meal. Serve hot over your favorite pasta.

Provided by darcy907

Categories     Main Dish Recipes     Meatball Recipes

Time 50m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 9

3 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon milk
1 pound extra-lean ground beef
1 egg
¼ cup dried plain bread crumbs
1 teaspoon Greek seasoning
2 (20 ounce) jars marinara sauce, or more to taste
1 pinch white sugar
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper

Steps:

  • Blend ketchup and milk together in a bowl. Mix in beef, egg, bread crumbs, and Greek seasoning to combine.
  • Heat marinara sauce to a simmer in a 2-quart pot over low heat.
  • Roll beef mixture with your hands to form meatballs. Drop into the simmering sauce. Add sugar and cayenne pepper. Cook, stirring gently and regularly, until meatballs are no longer pink and sauce is heated through, 25 to 30 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 366.2 calories, Carbohydrate 31.4 g, Cholesterol 86.9 mg, Fat 16.7 g, Fiber 5.1 g, Protein 21.2 g, SaturatedFat 5.8 g, Sodium 1018.5 mg, Sugar 18.8 g

MEATBALLS WITH MARINARA SAUCE



Meatballs with Marinara Sauce image

Pack on the flavor with just a few ingredients! These meatballs hit the spot. -Mary Poninski, Whittington, Illinois

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Appetizers

Time 30m

Yield 20 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 4

1 package (22 ounces) frozen fully cooked angus beef meatballs
1-1/2 cups marinara sauce
1/3 cup chopped ripe olives
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn

Steps:

  • Prepare meatballs according to package directions. , Meanwhile, in a saucepan, combine marinara and olives; heat through. Add meatballs and basil; heat through.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 93 calories, Fat 7g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 17mg cholesterol, Sodium 301mg sodium, Carbohydrate 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 4g protein.

MEAT-FREE MEATBALLS IN MARINARA SAUCE



Meat-Free Meatballs in Marinara Sauce image

Provided by Rachael Ray : Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Time 30m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 45

1 1/2 pounds plant-based ground beef/meat alternative
1/2 cup panko or breadcrumbs
A splash of whole milk or half-and-half
1 egg
1 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
Salt
1 1/2 teaspoons red pepper flakes
1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 1/2 teaspoons fennel pollen
1 1/2 teaspoons granulated onion
3 large cloves garlic, grated
1/4 cup flat-leaf parsley, chopped
A drizzle of EVOO or EVOO non-aerosol spray (see Cook's Note)
3 to 4 tablespoons EVOO or butter or a combination
3 large cloves garlic, crushed
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes, plus more for serving
1 teaspoon fennel pollen
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 small onion
1/4 cup red wine
2 cans (28 ounces) Italian tomatoes
2 cups passata/tomato puree or sauce
1 teaspoon superfine sugar
Salt
Salt
1 pound spaghetti
2 tablespoons butter or EVOO or a combination
2 handfuls of grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, plus more for serving
A handful of basil, torn
3 tablespoons white wine vinegar or white balsamic
2 teaspoons superfine sugar
1 teaspoon granulated garlic
1 teaspoon granulated onion
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon fennel pollen
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Olive oil
Salt
6 gem romaine hearts, cored and leaves roughly torn or chopped
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced into half-moons
3 center stalks celery with leaves, thinly sliced on a bias
3 baby carrots (rainbow colors if available), thinly sliced on a bias
3 radishes, thinly sliced into rounds
Salt

Steps:

  • For the balls: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F with a rack in the center of the oven. Heat a large pot of water for pasta. Line a baking sheet with foil and top with parchment paper.
  • Put plant-based meat in a large bowl. Put panko in a small bowl and moisten with milk or half-and-half. Put the egg in small bowl and beat lightly. To the plant-based meat, add egg, moistened panko, cheese, salt, red pepper flakes, oregano, fennel pollen, granulated onion, garlic, parsley and a drizzle of EVOO (see Cook's Note) and mix together with your hands. Roll 24 balls slightly larger than golf balls and place on baking sheet. Roast 15 to 17 minutes to golden and remove from the oven.
  • For the sauce: Meanwhile, heat a cast-iron enamel Dutch oven or large saucepan over low heat with EVOO, add garlic, red pepper flakes, fennel pollen and oregano, grate in the onion and stir. Add wine, raise the heat and cook 2 minutes. Add tomatoes, passata or puree and a sprinkle of sugar and salt, bring to bubble, reduce heat and simmer 20 minutes.
  • For the pasta: While sauce simmers the last 8 minutes or so, salt boiling water and cook pasta a minute or so less than directions. Reserve about 3/4 cup salty water, drain pasta and add back to hot pot. Add half the salty water, butter or EVOO, cheese and about two-thirds of the sauce. Toss pasta and adjust seasonings. Add roasted balls to remaining sauce.
  • Serve pasta in a large family-style bowl or in shallow individual bowls topped with balls and basil. Pass more cheese and red pepper at the table.
  • For the salad dressing: Whisk to combine vinegar, sugar, granulated garlic, granulated onion, dried oregano, dried thyme, fennel pollen and red pepper flakes in a medium bowl. Drizzle in the olive oil, season with salt and whisk until well combined.
  • For the "clean out the fridge" salad: Place the lettuce, onion, celery, baby carrots and radishes (or whatever salad ingredients you have in your fridge) in a large salad bowl. When ready to serve, season with salt, drizzle dressing over salad and toss to combine.

RAO'S MEATBALLS WITH MARINARA SAUCE



Rao's Meatballs With Marinara Sauce image

This is one of the signature dishes at Rao's, the East Harlem red-sauce joint that is best-known for a loyal, boldface-name clientele that makes it difficult to get a table. The restaurant now has satellites in Las Vegas and Los Angeles.

Provided by Adam Nagourney

Categories     dinner, main course

Time 1h30m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 19

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 ounces salt pork, thinly sliced
3 tablespoons minced onion
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 28-ounce cans imported Italian crushed tomatoes
6 leaves fresh basil, torn into small pieces
Pinch of dried oregano
Salt and ground black pepper
1 pound ground lean beef
1/2 pound ground veal
1/2 pound ground pork
2 large eggs
1 cup freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese
1 1/2 tablespoons finely chopped flat-leaf parsley
1 small garlic clove, minced
Salt and ground black pepper
2 cups fine dry bread crumbs
1 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 clove garlic, lightly smashed

Steps:

  • Make the sauce: Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium-low heat, then add the salt pork. Sauté until fat has rendered, about 5 minutes. Remove and discard salt pork. Add onion and sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and sauté just until softened. Add tomatoes with their juice and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer until sauce is slightly thickened, about 45 minutes. Add the basil, oregano and salt and pepper to taste. Cook for 1 minute more.
  • Make the meatballs: In a mixing bowl, combine the beef, veal and pork. Add the eggs, cheese, parsley and minced garlic, then salt and pepper as desired. Add the bread crumbs and mix well. Slowly add up to 2 cups water, 1/2 cup at a time, until the mixture is moist; all the water may not be needed. Shape into 1 1/2 -inch meatballs.
  • Heat the oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add the smashed garlic and sauté until lightly browned, 1 to 2 minutes, then discard the garlic. Working in batches and taking care not to crowd the pan, add meatballs and fry until undersides are brown and slightly crisp, 5 to 6 minutes. Turn and brown the other sides, about 5 minutes more. Transfer cooked meatballs to paper towels to drain, then add to the marinara sauce. Mix gently and serve.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 1086, UnsaturatedFat 55 grams, Carbohydrate 50 grams, Fat 79 grams, Fiber 8 grams, Protein 49 grams, SaturatedFat 20 grams, Sodium 1472 milligrams, Sugar 14 grams, TransFat 0 grams

Tips:

  • For a richer flavor, use a combination of mushrooms, such as shiitake, cremini, and portobello.
  • To add a bit of heat, include a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped chili pepper to the marinara sauce.
  • If you don't have almond flour, you can use another type of nut flour, such as cashew flour or walnut flour. You can also use bread crumbs, but they will not be as healthy.
  • To make the meatballs more flavorful, add a tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast to the mixture before baking.
  • Serve the meatballs with your favorite pasta, rice, or vegetables. You can also use them in a sub sandwich or wrap.

Conclusion:

Meatless meatballs are a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional meatballs. They are packed with flavor and nutrients, and they can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Whether you are a vegetarian, vegan, or just looking for a healthier option, these meatless meatballs are sure to please. So next time you are in the mood for meatballs, give this recipe a try. You won't be disappointed!

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