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overhead photo of sausage meatballs in tomato sauce in a stainless frying pan with ingredients surrounding the pan
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Sausage Meatballs

Course Dinner
Cuisine Italian
Keyword sausage meatballs
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
5 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 12 meatballs
Calories 174kcal
Author Lisa Bass

Ingredients

  • cup plain breadcrumbs I like to use homemade
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 1 pound Italian sausage
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • ½ small onion finely diced
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley minced
  • ¼ cup parmesan cheese freshly grated
  • 1 jar marinara sauce

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
  • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
  • Add the breadcrumbs, egg, and milk to a large mixing bowl and whisk to combine. Set the bowl aside for 5 minutes or so to let the breadcrumbs soften.
  • This is a great time to chop the garlic, onions, and parsley.
  • After 5 minutes, add the sausage, garlic, onion, Worcestershire, parsley, and parmesan to the breadcrumb mixture.
  • Mix by hand just until combined. I've found this to be the most efficient way. Don't overmix or the meatballs may become tough.
  • Measure the meatball mixture with a spoon or cookie scoop for consistency. Using about 3 tablespoons each, form them into a ball by rolling in your hands, and place meatballs on the prepared tray. This will yield about 12 meatballs.
  • Bake at 400 for 20 minutes, checking the internal temperature for doneness. They will finish with a golden brown exterior.
  • After baking, let them rest on the baking sheet on the counter for about 5 minutes. This gives them time to finish cooking, as well as an opportunity for the juices to be absorbed.
  • While they rest, heat the marinara sauce over medium heat. Bring to a simmer, then add the meatballs and toss them to coat.
  • Garnish with fresh parsley and/or additional parmesan, if you'd like.
  • Enjoy!

Notes

  • This recipe is 100% ground pork sausage, but you could substitute another ground meat very easily. It's the perfect way to use up ground turkey or ground beef, as well.
  • The marinara sauce could be a simple jarred variety, or use your own favorite homemade marinara sauce.
  • This recipe is perfect for a classic spaghetti and meatball kind of night, but if you're looking to change things up, get creative with fresh herbs, spices, and other flavorful add-ins, like finely chopped veggies.
  • You could make these gluten-free pretty simply by swapping out the regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free ones.

Nutrition

Serving: 1meatball | Calories: 174kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 0.002g | Cholesterol: 44mg | Sodium: 614mg | Potassium: 295mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 342IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 54mg | Iron: 1mg