Nothing beats the comforting satisfaction of a warm, flavorful plate of meatballs, and with this 15 Minute Sausage Meatballs Recipe, you’re just moments away from your new favorite weeknight hero. Imagine juicy sausage meatballs simmered in a rich tomato sauce that’s bursting with garlic, herbs, and just a hint of heat, ready faster than you can set the table. This recipe proves that convenience and incredible taste can go hand in hand, turning a humble meal into something special for your family or friends in no time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this 15 Minute Sausage Meatballs Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients. Each one is purposeful, bringing wonderful depth, texture, and vivid color to your dish without any fuss. From the savory punch of quality sausage to the fresh burst of basil, these carefully selected components are what make this recipe a true winner.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: For browning meatballs and adding subtle fruity richness.
- 700 g / 1.4 lb good sausages: The star protein, packed with seasoning and fat to keep meatballs juicy.
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped: Adds aromatic warmth and depth.
- 3/4 cup chicken stock/broth (low sodium): Provides a flavorful base to keep the sauce moist and silky; water can be used as a substitute.
- 700 g / 24 oz tomato passata: The smooth, rich tomato foundation that carries all the meatball’s flavors beautifully.
- 1/2 tsp dried Italian herb mix: Delivers classic Mediterranean notes; oregano or a blend with thyme works well too.
- 1/2 tsp cooking salt / kosher salt: Enhances all the dish’s flavors; adjust to taste if using different salt types.
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional): Just a whisper of heat to brighten the sauce, easily skipped or substituted with black pepper.
- 1 sprig basil: The stalk adds subtle herbal fragrance in the sauce, while the leaves can garnish and freshen the final dish.
- Parmesan, finely grated: For that salty, nutty finish that pairs perfectly with meat and tomato.
- 350 g / 12 oz pasta of choice: Use your favorite type to serve alongside, or substitute with polenta or mashed potatoes for variety.
How to Make 15 Minute Sausage Meatballs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Brown the Meatballs
Start by removing the sausage meat from its casing and gently forming it into small, evenly sized meatballs. This helps them cook consistently in the tight 15-minute window. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the meatballs in batches so they don’t steam. Brown them on all sides until they develop a beautiful golden crust—this step locks in flavor and moisture.
Step 2: Build the Sauce
Once your meatballs are browned, push them to one side of the pan and add the finely chopped garlic to the empty space. Sauté briefly until fragrant but not browned; this infuses the oil with garlic’s wonderful aroma. Pour in the chicken stock and tomato passata, then sprinkle in your dried Italian herbs, salt, and pepper flakes. Add the basil stalk, giving the sauce a fresh herbal kick. Gently lower the meatballs into the sauce, letting everything simmer gently.
Step 3: Simmer and Finish
Allow the meatballs to cook fully in the sauce for about 8 to 10 minutes, turning once or twice so they soak up all those lovely flavors evenly. During this time, cook your pasta according to the package instructions so everything finishes simultaneously. When ready to serve, sprinkle the meatballs with freshly grated Parmesan and torn basil leaves for an inviting look and extra burst of flavor.
How to Serve 15 Minute Sausage Meatballs Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan and vibrant basil leaves on top instantly elevates this dish. The cheese lends a savory richness that complements the meat and tomato sauce, while basil brings a fresh, green note that brightens every bite—making your dish both beautiful and more delicious.
Side Dishes
This versatile recipe pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Classical pasta works perfectly to soak up the sauce, but for a comforting twist, creamy mashed potatoes or creamy polenta add cozy textures that balance the slightly spicy, herby meatballs.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun family dinner or casual gathering, present the meatballs on a platter with toothpicks for easy sharing. Alternatively, stack them on toasted buns with a little extra sauce and Parmesan for a savory meatball slider experience. You can also spoon them over roasted vegetables for a gluten-free option that’s equally satisfying.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover sausage meatballs store wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep the sauce and meatballs together to retain moisture and flavor, so reheating is a breeze and the dish stays just as tasty.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze the meatballs in their sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. This is a great time-saver for busy days when you crave a quick, hearty meal without sacrificing freshness.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to warm the sauce evenly and prevent the meatballs from drying out. Adding a splash of water or stock can help refresh the sauce’s consistency if needed.
FAQs
Can I use ground meat instead of sausage for this recipe?
Absolutely! While sausage adds great seasoning and fat for juicy meatballs, you can substitute ground pork, beef, or even turkey. Just be sure to season the meat with herbs and spices to mimic that signature sausage flavor.
How spicy is this 15 Minute Sausage Meatballs Recipe?
The heat is very subtle thanks to the optional red pepper flakes. If you like more spice, feel free to increase the amount or add a pinch of cayenne pepper. For milder tastes, simply omit the pepper flakes altogether.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free pasta, polenta, or mashed potatoes as your base. Also, double-check that your sausages and broth are gluten-free to keep the dish safe for gluten-sensitive eaters.
What type of sausage works best for this dish?
Good-quality pork sausages with natural casings are ideal because they bring rich flavor and fat content that keeps meatballs tender. Italian flavored sausages enhance the dish nicely but mild sausages also work well if you prefer a gentler taste.
Can I prep the meatballs in advance?
You can form the meatballs a few hours ahead and keep them covered in the fridge. This makes the cooking step even faster when you’re ready to get dinner on the table.
Final Thoughts
This 15 Minute Sausage Meatballs Recipe is an absolute game-changer for anyone who loves delicious home-cooked meals without spending forever in the kitchen. It’s packed with flavor, easy to customize, and a joy to eat, whether for a busy weeknight or casual weekend dinner. Give it a try, and I promise it will become one of your go-to recipes that everyone requests again and again.
Print
15 Minute Sausage Meatballs Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
These 15 Minute Sausage Meatballs are a quick and delicious meal featuring Italian sausage meatballs simmered in a fragrant tomato passata sauce with herbs and garlic, served over your choice of pasta. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this recipe combines ease and bold flavors in under 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 700 g / 1.4 lb good sausages
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 3/4 cup chicken stock or broth, low sodium (can substitute water)
- 700 g / 24 oz tomato passata (US: tomato sauce like Hunt’s)
- 1/2 tsp dried Italian herb mix (substitute with dried oregano or 50/50 oregano/thyme)
- 1/2 tsp cooking salt / kosher salt (increase by 50% for flakes, halve for table salt)
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, optional (provides a hint of warmth; substitute with a pinch of black pepper)
- 1 sprig basil (stalk used in sauce, leaves reserved for garnish, optional)
- Parmesan cheese, finely grated (for serving)
- 350 g / 12 oz pasta of choice (or polenta, mashed potatoes, or substitute sides)
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatballs: Remove the sausage meat from the casings and combine in a bowl. Form the mixture into evenly sized meatballs, about the size of golf balls or smaller as preferred.
- Cook the Meatballs: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs carefully and cook, turning occasionally, until nicely browned on all sides and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce and Combine: In the same skillet, add the chopped garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Pour in the chicken stock and tomato passata. Add the dried Italian herbs, salt, red pepper flakes, and the basil stalk. Stir well and bring the sauce to a simmer. Return the cooked meatballs to the skillet, spoon some sauce over them, and simmer gently for about 5 minutes to meld the flavors. Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and serve the meatballs and sauce over the pasta, garnished with basil leaves and a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- For a milder sauce, omit the red pepper flakes.
- Using low-sodium chicken stock helps control the saltiness of the dish.
- Italian herb mixes vary by brand; adjust seasoning to taste.
- Polenta or mashed potatoes are excellent alternatives to pasta as a base for the meatballs and sauce.
- Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop or in the microwave to avoid drying out the meatballs.
