We all have those days. You know, when you’re up all night with a sick child (or spouse) and you walk around in a daze barely able to cope. Or when you’re just too tired or sick to even think of making supper. Cereal and milk or grilled cheese will do every now and then, but it’s great to have a quick and easy meal that’s also healthy and hearty – to fall back on.
Would you believe it if I told you that you could make meatballs with just 2 ingredients? That’s right – just TWO ingredients! It’s why I call ’em lazy meatballs. But you know what? You’d never know it. I serve these up in front of my kiddies and they are as thankful as ever. You’d think I slaved over them for hours. They’re tasty, moist and perfect over some rice or spaghetti.
Actually, speaking of spaghetti, I’ll tell you something else. I usually prepare a big batch of these babies. The first night, I serve em up over rice. Then, the next night, I take whatever’s left and mash ’em up with a potato masher. The meatballs fall apart into the marinara for a split-second “bolognese”. I spoon the meat sauce right over some spaghetti and I’m the best momma ever.
The secret to these meatballs is NOT to use lean ground beef. The extra fat keeps the meatballs moist, so you don’t need to add anything else to them. The minimal handling of the meat as well as the small size of the meatballs also contribute to their tenderness.
Lazy 2-ingredient Meatballs
1 pkg ground beef (not lean)
1 jar marinara sauce
1/2 jar water
Method:
Bring marinara sauce and water to a simmer. Roll ground beef into golf-sized balls and add to the sauce. Simmer meatballs gently for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally, so meatballs don’t stick to the bottom of the pot.
Day 2 Leftovers: Split-Second Bolognese
Mash leftover meatballs into the sauce using a potato masher. Serve over spaghetti.
So awesome! I’m always adding eggs, herbs and breadcrumbs to the meatball mix. Never thought to just throw the meat in to the sauce. So easy and simple!
What a great quick recipe! I’m so in need of quick inspiration so this is perfect!
So delicious looking, and the 2 ingredients catch my eye!
This recipe, couldn’t have come at a better time, I had a crazy busy day and just put this up to cook,let’s hope the family enjoys!
I hope they like it too!
good timing! it was a great dinner tonight :)
thanks chanie
Glad to hear Miri!
YES – my kinda recipe — and we also breakdown leftover meatballs for “meat sauce” with spaghetti for the kids — they LOVE it soooo much – guess it’s universal.
I love this idea! I am always looking for a quick dinner idea and this one calls for marinara which I always have in stock!
this is sooo going into the dinner repetoire. great recipe/idea
Quick and perfect!
What a great recipe. Looks so flavorful!
Ain’t nothing wrong with a little lazy sometimes. Of course, you make lazy look gourmet!
I almost feel guilty when I write up recipes like these, but it does help others think of these simple ingredients in a new way and that we can all still enjoy a little laziness sometimes.
Sometimes you need something super-quick. Looks great!
what do you mean “1 package” of meat? 1 lb?
Yes, about a lb. should be just right.
this is still my all time fall back recipe! thanks chanie!
Mine too! Thanks Miri!
These look soooooo good!!!! Thanks for sharing so many of our recipes in your roundups!
Hi! What percentage of meat fat would you recommend for this recipe? Would 80/20 work? I’d like to make them moist. Thanks!
Yes, 80/20 is great.
Hi, do these freeze well? Looks delicious!