Cast Iron Meatballs in Marinara: Wood-Fired and Delicious

This hearty and rustic meatball dish is pure comfort with a smoky twist. Cooking meatballs in a cast iron skillet over a wood fire brings out a flavor that just can’t be beat. The juicy beef, rich marinara, and buttery garlic glaze make this dish one to savor, especially with a slice of crusty bread to mop it all up. It’s a hit in our house for weekend dinners and cozy gatherings around the fire.

Why You’ll Love These Meatballs in Marinara Sauce

• Smoky, wood-fired flavor makes every bite special.
• Easy to make in one skillet less cleanup, more flavor.
• Garlic butter glaze brings rich, comforting notes.
• Perfect for dipping with bread or served over pasta.
• Kid-friendly and grown-up approved.
• Great for make-ahead meals and freezes beautifully.

Simple Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create these comforting meatballs:

• Ground Beef: Classic base for juicy, hearty meatballs.
• Breadcrumbs: Help bind the meatballs and keep them tender.
• Parmesan Cheese (Affiliate): Adds rich, savory depth.
• Egg: The key to holding the mixture together.
• Garlic: Fresh and pungent for that bold Italian flavor.
• Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning.
• Olive Oil: Used for browning the meatballs.
• Marinara Sauce: Rich tomato base that ties the whole dish together.
• Garlic Butter: Melted butter mixed with garlic and parsley adds a luscious finish.
• Parsley & Parmesan: For a fresh and flavorful garnish.

Servings, Prep & Cook Time

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

What is Needed

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 tbsp garlic butter (melted butter mixed with minced garlic and parsley)
• Extra Parmesan and parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. In a bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined, then form into meatballs.
2. Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet. Brown the meatballs on all sides over medium heat.
3. Pour in marinara sauce and spoon garlic butter over the meatballs.
4. Transfer skillet to oven and bake at 375°F, uncovered, until meatballs are cooked through and sauce is bubbling, about 15-20 minutes.
5. Remove from oven, sprinkle with extra Parmesan and parsley, and serve.

Top Tips

• Don’t overmix the meatball mixture gentle hands make tender meatballs.
• Use high-quality marinara for the richest flavor.
• A touch of garlic butter goes a long way don’t skip it!
• Families love this with spaghetti or just bread for dipping.
• Double the recipe and freeze half for a quick dinner later.

Recipe Variations

• Swap beef for turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
• Add chopped spinach or grated zucchini to sneak in veggies.
• Try a spicy arrabbiata sauce instead of marinara.
• Use mozzarella cheese for an extra melty topping.
• Stuff each meatball with a small cube of mozzarella for a fun, gooey surprise everyone will love.

Recommended Equipment

• Cast iron skillet
• Mixing bowl
• Wooden spoon
• Oven mitts
• Measuring cups and spoons

Make Ahead Tips

Form meatballs ahead and refrigerate for up to 24 hours or freeze them raw and cook from frozen.

How to Store and Reheat

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat or in the oven at 325°F until warmed through.

What To Serve With This Recipe

• Crusty bread
• Spaghetti or fettuccine
• Steamed green beans
• Caesar salad

Ingredient Substitution Tips

• For gluten-free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
• For dairy-free: Skip the Parmesan or use a plant-based alternative.

What You Need to Know About This Recipe

This recipe is inspired by classic Italian-American comfort food but with a rustic, wood-fired twist. Cooking in cast iron enhances flavor and gives it an authentic, homey vibe. The garlic butter glaze brings the kind of rich finish you’d expect in a cozy trattoria.

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Meatballs in Marinara

Michelle

Hearty wood-fired meatballs in rich marinara finished with a buttery garlic glaze. Comfort food made even better in cast iron

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course Main Dishes

Servings 4

Equipment

• Cast iron skillet
• Mixing bowl
• Wooden Spoon
• Oven mitts
• Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 tbsp garlic butter melted butter mixed with minced garlic and parsley
• Extra Parmesan and parsley for garnish

Instructions

 

• Make the Meatballs: In a bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined, then form into meatballs.
• Brown the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet. Brown the meatballs on all sides over medium heat.
• Add Sauce & Garlic Butter: Pour in marinara sauce and spoon garlic butter over the meatballs.
• Bake Until Done: Transfer skillet to oven and bake at 375°F, uncovered, until meatballs are cooked through and sauce is bubbling, about 15-20 minutes.
• Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, sprinkle with extra Parmesan and parsley, and serve.

Notes

For an even smokier flavor, use a wood pellet grill to cook the skillet instead of the oven.

Keyword Meatballs in Marinara

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