Homemade Italian Meatballs with Chunky Tomato Sauce

A Comfort Classic Made with Good Ranchers Beef & Pork

There’s nothing quite like a hearty plate of homemade meatballs simmered in rich tomato sauce—especially when you’re using high-quality American-raised beef and pork from Good Ranchers. This recipe is packed with flavor, perfectly seasoned, and simple enough to become a weeknight staple.

Serve over pasta, zoodles, or pile high on a toasted hoagie roll. However you plate it, these meatballs are bound to be a family favorite.

 

Sauce Ingredients:

 

• 28 oz chunky tomato sauce
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp dried parsley
• 1 tsp dried chives
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• 2 grated garlic cloves
• Salt and pepper to taste

 

Meatball Ingredients:

 

• 1 lb Good Ranchers ground pork & beef blend
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp pepper
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp dried parsley
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ cup breadcrumbs or ½ cup sourdough discard
• 1 large egg
• 2 grated garlic cloves

 

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Chunky Tomato Sauce

• In a medium saucepan, pour in the chunky tomato sauce.
• Add onion powder, garlic powder, dried parsley, dried chives, dried thyme, and grated garlic.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat. Let the sauce cook for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld while you prepare the meatballs.

 

Step 2: Make the Meatballs

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the Good Ranchers pork & beef blend with salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, dried parsley, paprika, and grated garlic.
• Add the breadcrumbs (or sourdough discard) and egg. Mix until just combined—be careful not to overwork the meat.
• Scoop out 1-2 tablespoon portions and roll into meatballs. Place them on a plate or tray.

 

Step 3: Cook the Meatballs

 

Option 1: Pan-Fry

• Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Cook the meatballs for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally until browned and cooked through.

 

Option 2: Bake

• Preheat oven to 400°F.
• Place meatballs on a greased or lined baking sheet.
• Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked.

 

Step 4: Simmer & Serve

• Once cooked, add the meatballs into your simmering sauce.
• Let them soak up the flavor for another 5-10 minutes.
• Serve hot over pasta, on a sub roll, or with a side of garlic bread.

 

Pro Tip: Double the batch and freeze half for a quick and easy dinner another night.