Serves 10
45 min
Whole30 Italian Meatballs with Marinara
Recipe GLPR3da49ee7b3684e
Tender, herb-seasoned meatballs made from lean ground beef, combined with fresh parsley and garlic, then browned in olive oil and simmered in a clean marinara sauce. This Whole30-compliant dish delivers authentic Italian flavors without added sugars or processed ingredients. Perfect as a main course served over vegetables or zucchini noodles.
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Ingredients
2 pounds lean ground beef
1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
1/3 cup coarsely chopped fresh parsley leaves
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon salt-free Italian seasoning
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 large egg, beaten
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 (24 to 26-ounce) jar no sugar-added marinara sauce
Directions
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped yellow onion, fresh parsley, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Add the beaten egg and gently mix with your hands until just combined. Do not overmix, as this can make the meatballs dense.
Roll the mixture into meatballs approximately 1 1/2 inches in diameter. You should have about 20 meatballs. Place them on a clean work surface or plate.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, carefully add the meatballs in a single layer, working in batches if necessary to avoid crowding.
Brown the meatballs on all sides for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until they develop a golden-brown crust. The internal temperature should reach 160°F. You may need to work in two batches.
Pour the marinara sauce over the browned meatballs, stirring gently to coat. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is heated through and the flavors meld. The meatballs should remain at or above 160°F throughout.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve warm with marinara sauce spooned over the meatballs. Pairs well with roasted vegetables or spiralized zucchini noodles.
