BeefMeatPorkSpaghetti

Homemade Spaghetti and Meatballs in Marinara Sauce

These traditional Italian meatballs are tender, flavourful, and perfectly sized for a classic meatball marinara. They’re made with a mix of pork and beef mince, seasoned with Italian herbs, and seared to perfection before simmering in Filippo Berio’s marinara sauce.

Prep Time: 10 mins
Cooking Time: 20 mins

Used in this recipe

Ingredients

250g beef mince
250g pork mince
1 large egg
50g breadcrumbs (preferably fresh or panko for texture)
2 tbsp whole milk
2 garlic cloves, finely minced
2 tbsp grated Parmesan (optional, for added richness)
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp dried thyme
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a slight kick)
Salt & black pepper to taste
1 tbsp finely chopped parsley
1 tbsp olive oil (for searing)
Filippo Berio Marinara Pasta Sauce
Spaghetti

Method

Prepare the breadcrumbs: In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the milk and let them soak for 5 minutes. This ensures softer meatballs.
Mix the meatball ingredients: In a large bowl, combine beef mince, pork mince, egg, soaked breadcrumbs, minced garlic, Parmesan, oregano, basil, thyme, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, black pepper, and parsley.
Gently mix with your hands until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.
Shape the meatballs.
Divide the mixture into 6 large meatballs, roughly the size of golf balls or slightly larger. Roll them lightly between your palms, ensuring they stay firm but not packed too tightly.
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
Sear the meatballs for 2-3 minutes per side, turning them carefully to form a golden-brown crust while keeping the inside slightly undercooked.
Once browned, transfer to a plate and set aside.
Add Filippo Berio Marinara Sauce to a large pan and bring to a gentle simmer.
Nestle the seared meatballs into the sauce and cover partially.
Simmer on low heat for 20-25 minutes, turning them occasionally, until fully cooked through and infused with the sauce.
Add the cooked pasta directly into the sauce (never the other way around!).
Plate up the pasta and carefully place 3 meatballs per serving on top.
Garnish with fresh basil and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan (optional).

Marinara Pasta Sauce

From £2.89

This fresh and tasty sauce has its roots in the Italian word for "seafaring" (marinara) as it was a preferred meal for Italy's merchants during long sea expeditions. It is a simple sauce that requires very few ingredients; onions, garlic, oregano, Filippo Berio Extra Virgin Olive Oil, and naturally sweet Italian tomatoes. Carefully cooked to lock in all the flavour in so it tastes just like homemade sauce, our Marinara Sauce contains no preservatives, flavourings, or artificial ingredients. Gluten and lactose free, it's suitable for vegan and vegetarian diets.