Pork Meatballs in a Spicy Marinara Sauce

These versatile meatballs are tender and flavorful and so simple to make. Serve the fork tender meatballs with crusty bread or over your favorite pasta. The simple additions turn a basic jar of tomato sauce into a spicy and bright sauce that tastes like you spent the entire day in the kitchen.

Spicy Marinara Sauce

The Italian arrabbiata sauce is the main source of inspiration for this sauce. Arrabbiata is Italian for “angry”, the spice comes from the addition of chili pepper sauce, which can be modified to spice preferences. I added Harissa to give the sauce a kick and flair. The meatballs are incredibly easy to make and come together in minutes. After browning the meatballs, we build the sauce in the pan and let the flavors simmer down to give us fork tender meatballs. The dish is topped with melty mozzarella and parmesan and best enjoyed with a crusty baguette.

Ingredients Needed to Make Pork Meatballs in Spicy Marinara

Meatballs~

• Ground Pork
• Panko Breadcrumbs
• Egg
• Milk
• Fresh or Dried Parsley
• Fresh or Dried Oregano
• Grated Parmesan Cheese
• Salt and Pepper

Spicy Sauce~

• Chopped White Onion
• Garlic
• White Wine (Cheap) (or Chicken Broth)
• Jarred or Homemade Marinara Sauce
• Harissa
• Salt and Pepper
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
• Grated Parmesan Cheese
• Fresh chopped Parsley (optional garnish)

How to Make Pork Meatballs in a Spicy Marinara Sauce Step by Step~

STEP 1: Preheat a large pan over medium heat and add cooking oil. Soak the panko breadcrumbs in the milk for a minute. Add the ground pork, egg, chopped parsley, chopped oregano, grated parmesan cheese, and salt and pepper.

STEP 2: Mix the meatball mixture until just combined. Form the meatballs into tablespoon sized balls. Add the meatballs to the pan and brown for 3 minutes on each side. Add in the chopped onion and minced garlic cook for 3 minutes until slightly softened.

STEP 3: Add the white wine and scrape up any bits on the bottom of the pan. Let the wine cook for a minute and add the marinara sauce and harissa. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Cover and turn down the temperature to medium low heat. Let the sauce cook for 10 minutes or until the meatballs are cooked through.

STEP 4: Top the meatballs with mozzarella cheese and cover until melted. Garnish with grated parmesan and chopped parsley. Serve with pasta or toasted bread and enjoy!

Notes for Success~

Soaking the breadcrumbs in milk for a minute will make your meatballs even more tender. Try not to over mix to avoid dry and tough meatballs. You can substitute the wine for chicken broth or water if you prefer. Try not to go overboard on the harissa, it can get really spicy depending on the brand. You can always add more to taste.

More Dinner Recipes~

• Tomato and Sausage Pasta with Creamy Goat Cheese

• Easy Pumpkin Carbonara with Orzo Pasta

• Chicken Meatballs and Orzo in Red Pepper Sauce

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If you make these pork meatballs in a spicy marinara sauce, be sure to leave a comment and rating. Suggestions and substitutions are welcome. I appreciate your support and feedback and I try my best to respond to each and every comment! Thank you!