• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Recipes Worth Repeating
  • About
  • Recipes
  • Subscribe
  • Privacy Policy
  • Work With Me
    • Media Kit
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
menu icon
go to homepage
  • About
  • Recipes
  • Subscribe
  • Cookbooks
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • About
    • Recipes
    • Subscribe
    • Cookbooks
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Home » Recipes » Pasta

    Homemade Marinara Sauce With Meatballs

    Published: Mar 20, 2023 by Amanda Mason · 24 Comments

    Yield 8 people
    Cook 5 hours hours
    Prep 30 minutes minutes
    Jump to Recipe
    Three Meatballs sitting on top of spaghetti noodles with marinara sauce sitting on a white plate, fork and parsley.
    Three Meatballs sitting on top of spaghetti noodles with marinara sauce sitting on a white plate, fork twirled in noodles with parsley garnish.

    This homemade marinara sauce is made with fresh basil and oregano mixed with crushed tomatoes, dried herbs, and spices. Add in meatballs that are made from scratch and you'll have a classic Italian dish that is full of flavor with every bite!

    Fork in a plate of pasta with marinara sauce and meatballs.

    Pasta is hands down one of the most delicious and versatile foods on the planet. Everything from this hearty chicken alfredo pasta, to creamy and delicious pesto pasta, to a classic homemade lasagna, there are so many different ways to enjoy pasta!

    While similar to this penne pasta with Italian marinara sauce, this homemade marinara sauce with meatballs has been passed down from generation to generation. And there's nothing better than a recipe that has been passed down. Especially when it's an authentic Italian recipe.

    This version is made with crushed tomatoes and fresh basil and oregano. And the Italian homemade meatballs are hand rolled and placed on top of the sauce and then slow cooked in the crock pot. Using a crock pot instead of a saucepan allows for the slow melding of flavors and yields a rich and authentic taste.

    This is excellent on top of any type of pasta or veggie noodles. I especially love it mixed in with this spaghetti squash and goat cheese. Not only is it good on top of pasta, it's also an excellent dipping sauce for fried mozzarella sticks or these cheesy garlic breadsticks. And, it's also great to use when making your own pizza!

    Jump to:
    • ✔️ Quick Recipe Overview
    • ℹ️ Why This Recipe Works
    • 🛒 Ingredients You'll Need
    • 📋 Variations
    • 🔪 Step-By-Step Recipe Instructions
    • 🙋 Recipe FAQs
    • 💭 Expert Tips
    • 🍝 More Pasta Recipes You'll Love!
    • Homemade Marinara Sauce With Meatballs

    ✔️ Quick Recipe Overview

    Why This Is The Best Homemade Marinara Sauce: Made just as it is in the south of Italy, this marinara sauce recipe is healthy, made with fresh ingredients, and full of authentic flavor!

    How Long It Takes: 30 minutes to prep, 5 hours to slow cook

    Equipment You'll Need: skillet, crock pot/slow cooker

    White plate containing spaghetti noodles with 3 meatballs and marinara sauce.

    ℹ️ Why This Recipe Works

    1. Basic Ingredients. This homemade marinara sauce is made with basic ingredients, and all you need to do is add them to the crockpot, give it a stir, and let it do all the hard work for you!

    2. Easy to make. And there is no chopping involved.

    3. Amazing the next day. The sauce produces the most delicious leftovers. And, it is also freezer-friendly!

    🛒 Ingredients You'll Need

    The marinara sauce ingredients you'll need are below:

    Ingredients on a counter to make homemade marinara sauce.
    • Fresh Herbs: Using fresh oregano and basil is key to making this recipe work. They completely change the flavor and adds the rich authentic taste.
    • Dry Seasonings: Garlic, basil, onion, and garlic powder are traditional Italian marinara sauce ingredients and pair extremely well with the fresh herbs.
    • Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated from a block will always yield best results; however, the grated parmesan cheese in a can also works.
    • Crushed Tomatoes: Using canned crushed tomatoes is most convenient and provides the perfect consistency to the sauce.

    To make the meatballs, you'll need these ingredients.

    Ingredients on a counter to make meatballs.
    • Ground Turkey: For extra lean meatballs, use 99% or 93% fat-free ground turkey. 85% or 80% lean ground turkey adds more flavor due to the higher fat content.
    • Turkey Sausage: ground and uncooked works best.
    • Eggs: They play a key role in binding the meatball mixture together.
    • Breadcrumbs: you can use panko or breadcrumb style. Both work well.
    • Parmesan Cheese: freshly grated from a block will always yield best results; however, the grated parmesan cheese in a can also works.

    See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.

    📋 Variations

    WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

    Enter your email to receive this recipe, along with weekly food inspiration!

    • Do not add uncooked noodles to the bottom of the crock pot before adding the sauce. There isn't enough liquid in the sauce to properly cook the noodles.
    • You can choose to just make the marinara sauce and not make the meatballs.
    • This recipe makes a lot of meatballs, about 50 medium-sized. You have the option to either cook all the meatballs in the crock pot with the sauce or prepare only half and freeze the rest for later.
    • You can double the sauce recipe and freeze some for later use.
    • Instead of using ground turkey, you can use ground beef, chicken, or pork.
    • If you can't find uncooked turkey sausage, you can use pre-cooked turkey sausage crumbles. Just chop them into small pieces before adding them to the meatball mixture.
    • For more garlic flavor, add in 2-3 cloves of fresh minced garlic to the homemade marinara.
    • To make it spicy, add in ½ to 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes.

    🔪 Step-By-Step Recipe Instructions

    Step 1: Start by making the sauce. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, fresh basil and oregano, Parmesan cheese, and seasonings to the crock pot. Stir to combine. Set aside.

    Crock pot containing crushed tomatoes, fresh basil, spices, salt and Parmesan cheese.

    Step 2: To make the meatballs, combine all the ingredients in a large mixing bowl.

    Bowl containing ingredients to make meatballs.

    Step 3: Using your hands, roll the mixture into medium-sized balls (about 1.5 to 2 inches thick). Add olive oil to the skillet and when hot, place the meatballs in the skillet. Do this in batches.

    Step 4: Brown the outsides of the meatballs until slightly brown. The goal is to brown both sides of the meatballs, not cook them all the way through. They will finish cooking in your slow-cooker. From there, place the meatballs in the crock pot on top of the sauce.

    Sauteing meatballs in a skillet.

    Step 5: Place the lid on the crock pot, set it to low heat, and slow cook for 5 hours.

    Black slow cooker with meatballs sitting on top of marinara sauce.

    Once done, serve on top of a plate of pasta and top with fresh Parmesan cheese and fresh basil! This is the only marinara sauce recipe you will ever need. A classic Italian favorite that is incredibly easy to make and perfect for any dinner!

    White plate containing spaghetti noodles, three meatballs, and marinara sauce.

    🙋 Recipe FAQs

    What is the difference between marinara sauce and spaghetti sauce?

    Traditional spaghetti sauce contains additional spices, tends to be thicker, and is often prepared with chopped vegetables or chopped meat. Marinara sauce consists of tomatoes, garlic, herbs, and seasonings. It's a more versatile sauce that can be used as a dipping sauce, as the base sauce for pizza, or over pasta.

    Can I substitute fresh tomatoes?

    You can, but it will require removing the skin from the tomatoes, blanching them, and then simmering them down into the right consistency of crushed tomatoes. This process takes about 45 minutes.

    How Should I Store Leftover Sauce?

    Store leftovers in an airtight container with a lid in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. This sauce also stores really well in glass jars.

    Can I Freeze Marinara Sauce With Meatballs?

    Ensure the sauce has completely cooled before freezing. To freeze, place the sauce in a freezer safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and then reheat on the stovetop.

    White plate containing spaghetti  topped with marinara sauce and meatballs.

    💭 Expert Tips

    • It's important that the meatballs are slightly browned before putting them into the crock pot. If you skip this step, they will fall apart in the sauce while slow cooking.
    • Before serving, remove any leftover twigs from the fresh basil and oregano.
    • Serve this over your favorite pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or with steamed vegetables. You can also serve this homemade marinara sauce with meatballs in a hoagie roll for one of the best meatball sandwiches you'll ever eat!

    🍝 More Pasta Recipes You'll Love!

    • Black casserole dish containing a cooked Cheese Macaroni Tuna Casserole topped with green peas and fresh parsley.
      Creamy Tuna Noodle Casserole
    • Blue plate containing Chicken Florentine with Sun Dried Tomato Pasta topped with fresh ground pepper.
      Chicken Florentine with Sun Dried Tomato Pasta
    • Large blue pot with pesto pasta with aparagus
      Creamy Pesto Pasta
    • Wooden spoon filled with penne pasta, marinara sauce, and mozzarella cheese.
      Easy Penne Pasta Bake

    If you tried this homemade marinara sauce with meatballs or any other recipes on my website, please let me know how it turned out in the comments below. I love hearing from you! And, please leave a 🌟 rating while you're there!

    📧 Don't forget to subscribe to the newsletter, so that you don’t miss out on any of my delicious recipes!

    Three Meatballs sitting on top of spaghetti noodles with marinara sauce sitting on a white plate, fork and parsley.

    Homemade Marinara Sauce With Meatballs

    This homemade marinara sauce is made with fresh basil and oregano mixed with crushed tomatoes, herbs, and spices. Add in meatballs that are made from scratch and you'll have a classic Italian dish that is full of flavor with every bite!
    5 from 6 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: dinner
    Cuisine: Italian
    Prep Time: 30 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 5 hours hours
    Total Time: 5 hours hours 30 minutes minutes
    Servings: 8 people
    Calories: 367kcal
    Author: Amanda Mason

    Equipment

    • crock pot

    Ingredients

    For The Marinara Sauce

    • 1 28 ounce can crushed tomatoes
    • 1 6 ounce can of tomato paste
    • 2 bunches fresh basil
    • 4 sprigs fresh oregano
    • ¼ cup Parmesan
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1 teaspoon onion powder
    • 1 teaspoon dried basil
    • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
    • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • 1 teaspoon ground pepper

    For The Meatballs

    • 2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
    • 2 pounds ground turkey,
    • 1 ½ pounds turkey sausage
    • ½ cup panko bread crumbs
    • ½ cup Parmesan cheese
    • 2 eggs
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1 teaspoon onion powder
    • 1 teaspoon dried basil
    • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
    • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • ½ teaspoon pepper

    Instructions

    For The Marinara

    • Combine all the marinara sauce ingredients in the crock pot and stir to combine.
    • Turn the crock pot on low heat. Set aside.

    For The Meatballs

    • Combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl. 
    • Roll the meatball mixture into medium-sized balls (about 1.5 to 2 inches in diameter).  
    • Add the olive oil to the skillet and brown the outsides of the meatballs before putting them into the slow-cooker.
    • Put the meatballs in the crock pot after they’ve been browned. Note that the sauce will not cover them. That's ok.
    • Place the lid on the crock pot and cook on low for 5 hours. 
    • Once done, serve on top of pasta, over mashed potatoes, or with a side of vegetables!

    Notes

      • Make sure the meatballs are slightly browned before putting them into the crock pot. If you skip this step, they will fall apart in the sauce while slow cooking.
      • Before serving, remove any leftover twigs from the basil and oregano.
      • Store leftovers in an airtight container with a lid in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. This sauce also stores really well in glass jars.
      • Ensure the sauce has completely cooled before freezing. To freeze, place the sauce in a freezer safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and then re-heat on the stovetop.
      • Serve over your favorite pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, with steamed vegetables. You can also serve this homemade marinara sauce with meatballs in a hoagie roll for one of the best meatball sandwiches you'll ever eat!

    WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

    Enter your email to receive this recipe, along with weekly food inspiration!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 367kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 45g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 155mg | Sodium: 1624mg | Potassium: 567mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 299IU | Vitamin C: 26mg | Calcium: 164mg | Iron: 10mg
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @RecipesWorthRep or tag #RecipesWorthRepeating!
     

     

    « How To Make Vegan Butternut Squash Soup
    Smoked Chuck Roast »
    481 shares

    About Amanda Mason

    Hi! I'm Amanda, the founder and creator behind Recipes Worth Repeating! Simply put, I focus on creating delicious recipes for everyone. I offer variety. I offer convenience. I offer yumminess! And that's why people keep coming back. The recipes I create are absolutely worth repeating.

    Founded in 2012, Recipes Worth Repeating grew from people routinely asking me to email them the recipe for my latest dish. Recipe development comes naturally to me and I find cooking relaxing. Originally from Nashville, Tennessee, I developed a passion for cooking at an early age and I love to showcase a variety of recipes on my blog.Creating delicious new recipes, still photography, and video for Recipes Worth Repeating is the driving force behind what engages my readers to keep coming back for more recipes they will love.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      5 from 6 votes (2 ratings without comment)

      Leave a Reply Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




       

    1. Erin

      September 10, 2017 at 5:55 pm

      I'm always looking for new spaghetti recipes since it is about the only thing i can get my 3 yr old to eat. I will try this soon for him, delicious!

      Reply
      • Amanda Mason

        September 10, 2017 at 6:01 pm

        He will LOVE it!! My kids ADORE this dish! Those meatballs are super yummy!

        Reply
    2. Carol Borchardt

      September 10, 2017 at 1:42 pm

      I agree that nothing beats a great bowl of spaghetti and meatballs and this sure looks great! I'm going to try making them in the slow cooker next time for sure!

      Reply
      • Amanda Mason

        September 10, 2017 at 2:26 pm

        You'll love the convenience of that crockpot!

        Reply
    3. Lynn | The Road to Honey

      September 09, 2017 at 8:16 am

      That oil sounds really interesting. I can see so many uses for it beyond these lovely meatballs. Speaking of these meatballs. . .I love that they were made in the slow cooker. I'm definitely going to need to give that a try next time.

      Reply
      • Amanda Mason

        September 09, 2017 at 8:33 am

        I sell Young Living Essential oils so if you want Taste of Italy let me know! Yes, a slow cooker is amazing for this recipe..who would have thought!

        Reply
    4. Kimberly @ Berly's Kitchen

      September 09, 2017 at 4:13 am

      5 stars
      Love that this recipe is gluten-free! Most meatball recipes that I see use some kind of bread crumbs as a binder. These look tasty and would be perfect on some gluten-free pasta.

      Reply
      • Amanda Mason

        September 09, 2017 at 8:34 am

        Yes - I serve these meatballs with gluten free pasta! I eat the meatballs alone as a snack sometimes, too!!

        Reply
    5. prasanna hede

      September 08, 2017 at 11:36 am

      5 stars
      Gorgeous clicks ! comforting meal i must say.

      Reply
      • Amanda Mason

        September 08, 2017 at 12:59 pm

        Thank you! Yes, this one is such a comfort food!!

        Reply
    6. Dominique | Perchance to Cook

      September 07, 2017 at 7:11 pm

      This recipe looks like a winner!! I love the addition of essential oils here, I've never tried that! I also love the use of a slow cooker... that's my kind of recipe. I'm bookmarking this for later!

      Reply
      • Amanda Mason

        September 07, 2017 at 9:09 pm

        Thanks! Enjoy it! It's a fantastic dish! Super yummy home cooked dish here!

        Reply
    7. Cheryl

      September 07, 2017 at 7:11 pm

      This looks like a plate of my favorite comfort food. I could eat this all winter.

      Reply
      • Amanda Mason

        September 07, 2017 at 9:09 pm

        Yes, it is SO delish! I hope you enjoy it!

        Reply
    8. Nicoletta @sugarlovespices

      September 05, 2017 at 8:34 am

      Being Italian, I always feel good when I see recipes passing down from one to another. Ths dish looks beautiful and such a great weeknight meal!

      Reply
      • Amanda Mason

        September 05, 2017 at 1:29 pm

        Thanks! You should try it...true authentic Italian with this recipe!!

        Reply
    9. Gloria @ Homemade & Yummy

      September 04, 2017 at 5:43 pm

      5 stars
      Nothing beats a great bowl of spaghetti and meatballs on the weekend with a glass of wine. Perfect for entertaining too. The simple things on life are often the best and tastiest!!

      Reply
      • Amanda Mason

        September 05, 2017 at 1:29 pm

        Well said! Thank you! You summed it up perfectly!

        Reply
    10. Lindsay P.

      May 17, 2017 at 7:03 am

      5 stars
      I'm a little biased here, but honestly, this recipe is amazing! It's so wonderful to see the recipe being passed around; my grandma and great grandma would be so happy. They loved nothing more than to feed as many people as possible and I hope you all enjoy these yummy meatballs and sauce as much as we do!

      Reply
      • Amanda Mason

        May 17, 2017 at 7:14 am

        Yeah! I'm glad this would make your grandparents happy! Such a great meal! I make it at least once a month! The meatballs are perfect for a snack!

        Reply
    Newer Comments »

    Primary Sidebar

    Hi, I'm Amanda! Welcome to my little corner of the internet. I'm a wife, mother of two, lover of all things food and wine, and photographer. Here at Recipes Worth Repeating, you're going to find the most delicious and easy to make recipes everyone will love.

    More about me →

    Most Popular Recipes ❤️

    • Applewood Smoked Chicken on a wooden cutting board, fork in chicken.
      Applewood Smoked Chicken
    • Mexican Corn Recipe
    • Beef Enchilada Casserole
    • Wooden spoon filled with penne pasta, marinara sauce, and mozzarella cheese.
      Easy Penne Pasta Bake

    🇺🇸 4th of July Recipes

    • A plate of Corn on the cob and Cotija cheese on a white plate.
      Mexican Grilled Corn (Elote Recipe)
    • Smoked chicken quarters on a slate plate topped with BBQ sauce.
      Smoked Chicken Leg Quarters
    • Smoked Beef Short Ribs
    • Closeup of smoked chicken thighs on a black cutting board
      Smoked Chicken Thighs

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

     As Seen In

    About

    • Privacy Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Media Kit
    • Work with Me

    COPYRIGHT © 2012-2025 AMANDA MASON/RECIPES WORTH REPEATING

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.