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5.0 from 15 votes

Meatballs Arrabiata

This Meatballs Arrabbiata recipe is easy to make and packed full of flavor! Homemade meatballs in a fresh spicy sauce and served with crusty bread and a green salad.

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
35 mins
Servings: 6
Calories: 750 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:
  • 2/3 cup bread crumbs , plain, or saltine crackers
  • ½ cup low-sodium beef broth
  • 1 yellow onion , small, minced or grated
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 Tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 4 cloves garlic , minced
  • 2 teaspoons dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • ¼ cup fresh chopped parsley , divided (half for meatballs, half for garnish)
  • 1 lb lean ground beef , 80/20
  • 1 lb pork sausage , ground
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour , for dredging
Sauce:
  • 1/3 cup olive oil
  • 5 cloves garlic
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes , more to taste
  • 2 oz can whole peeled San Marzano tomatoes , (or 1 1/2 cups fresh chopped tomatoes)
  • 1/4 cup tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 12 fresh basil leaves , chopped
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese , (or pecorino cheese), for garnish

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Meatballs: In a large bowl combine all of the meatball ingredients together EXCEPT for the ground meat and flour. Stir and rest for 10 minutes so breadcrumbs can soak up the liquid. Add the meat and mix just until combined (don’t over mix). Use a ¼ cup measuring cup to scoop and roll about 16-18 large meatballs. Sprinkle them all around with a little bit of flour.
  2. Cook Meatballs in Oven: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray with non-stick cooking spray. Cook meatballs 1 inch apart for about 15-20 minutes, or until 160 degree internal temp.
  3. Cook Meatballs in Air Fryer: Preheat air fryer to 375 degrees. Spray the basket with cooking spray, add meatballs in one layer leaving a little space between each. Air fry for 12-18 minutes or until cooked through (160 degrees). Set aside to rest.
  4. Sauce (can be made ahead): Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and crushed red pepper; cook, stirring for 30 seconds. Add tomatoes, crushing them with your hands as you add them, or use a meat chopper or wooden spoon. Add tomato paste and Italian seasoning. Bring to a simmer over low heat and cook for 5-10 minutes. Remove from heat and add fresh chopped basil.
  5. Combine: Lay meatballs in the pan with the sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley and parmesan cheese.
  6. Serve with crusty artisan bread for dipping, and a large green salad.

Notes

  • Yields about 16 to 18 meatballs. Serving size is 3 meatballs.
  • Make Ahead Instructions: The homemade meatballs and the sauce can both be made in advance and kept in the fridge for 2 days.
  • Freezing Instructions: The sauce can be frozen for up to 3 months. To freeze cooked meatballs, allow them to cool completely, then store in a freezer safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator then rewarm in sauce on the stove. To. freeze raw meatballs, place assembled meatballs in a freezer container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before cooking as instructed.
  • Gluten-free Adaptations: use gluten-free breadcrumbs, and all-purpose flour.

Nutrition Information

Calories 750kcal (38%) Carbohydrates 33g (11%) Protein 38g (76%) Fat 51g (78%) Saturated Fat 16g (80%) Polyunsaturated Fat 5g Monounsaturated Fat 25g Trans Fat 1g Cholesterol 176mg (59%) Sodium 1481mg (62%) Potassium 751mg (21%) Fiber 3g (12%) Sugar 3g (6%) Vitamin A 830IU (17%) Vitamin C 9mg (10%) Calcium 256mg (26%) Iron 6mg (33%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 750

% Daily Value*

Calories 750kcal 38%
Carbohydrates 33g 11%
Protein 38g 76%
Fat 51g 78%
Saturated Fat 16g 80%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5g 29%
Monounsaturated Fat 25g 125%
Trans Fat 1g 50%
Cholesterol 176mg 59%
Sodium 1481mg 62%
Potassium 751mg 16%
Fiber 3g 12%
Sugar 3g 6%
Vitamin A 830IU 17%
Vitamin C 9mg 10%
Calcium 256mg 26%
Iron 6mg 33%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.