Italian recipe

Classic Sunday Marinara with Meatballs

Name: Classic Sunday Marinara with Meatballs
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 480 min
Total time: 495 min
Yield: 1 servings
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 carrot, finely grated (optional for sweetness); 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat); 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes; 1/2 cup tomato sauce; 1/2 cup water or low-sodium broth; 1 bay leaf; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1 tsp dried basil; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 oz ground beef (or 1 small beef meatball mix patty, prepared); 1 tbsp breadcrumbs; 1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese; 1 egg yolk; 2 sprigs fresh parsley, chopped; 1 tbsp butter (for finishing, optional); 1/4 cup whole-milk ricotta or mozzarella (optional topping)

A Sunday-sauce style Italian classic, built with a rich, slow-simmered tomato base and tender meatballs. This single-serve version captures deep, cozy flavors, browned aromatics, and a velvet sauce with a gentle, all-day simmer vibe.

Total time

8h 15m8 hr 15 min

Prep

15 min

Cook

8 hr

Serves

Comfort FoodSlow-SimmerOne-PanMeal for One

Chef’s Pro Tips

Browning the meatballs first adds depth; don't skip.
A splash of red wine at the start elevates depth (optional).

Serving Suggestions

Pair with al dente spaghetti, crusty bread, and a simple green salad for a complete plate.

Storage Instructions

Cool sauce completely, refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 3 days; reheat gently.

Nutrition

Estimated, per serving

calories: 620kcal
protein: 34g
carbs: 38g
fat: 32g

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