If you are short on time but craving something hearty and satisfying, this 15 Minute Sausage Meatballs Recipe is going to become your new best friend. Imagine juicy, flavorful sausage meatballs simmered in a rich tomato sauce infused with garlic and Italian herbs, all coming together quicker than you would expect. This dish not only delivers maximum taste with minimal effort, but it also fills your kitchen with the kind of comforting aromas that invite smiles and second helpings. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, these meatballs promise a delicious meal in a flash.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, fresh, and pantry-friendly ingredients make this recipe a breeze to pull together. Each component shines on its own while creating a balanced melody of flavors—rich tomato passata brightens the sauce, sausage delivers savory depth, and herbs add that classic Italian flair.
- Olive oil: This provides a smooth base to gently cook the sausage and garlic, adding a fruity richness.
- Good quality sausages (700 g / 1.4 lb): Look for fresh, well-seasoned sausages; the flavor here is key, so pick your favorite Italian or mild sausage.
- Garlic cloves (2, finely chopped): Adds a warm, aromatic punch that complements the sausage perfectly.
- Chicken stock or broth (3/4 cup, low sodium): Adds moisture and subtle savory depth without overpowering the sauce.
- Tomato passata (700g / 24 oz): A smooth, pure tomato base that makes the sauce silky and vibrant in color.
- Dried Italian herb mix (1/2 tsp): Brings together oregano, thyme, and other herbs to give the sauce a genuine Italian character.
- Cooking salt (1/2 tsp): Enhances all the flavors, with a note to adjust based on your salt type for perfect seasoning.
- Red pepper flakes (1/4 tsp, optional): Adds a subtle warmth and a hint of spice, perfect for a gentle kick.
- Sprig of basil: Use the stalk to infuse the sauce and the leaves as a fresh, aromatic garnish.
- Parmesan cheese (finely grated): To sprinkle generously on top, melting slightly into every tender bite.
- Pasta of choice (350g / 12 oz): Whether spaghetti, penne, or something fun, pasta perfectly catches the sauce and meatball juices.
How to Make 15 Minute Sausage Meatballs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sausage Meatballs
Begin by carefully removing the sausage meat from its casings. Don’t worry about forming perfectly shaped balls here; small, irregular mounds work just as well and cook quickly. The key is to handle the meat gently so it stays tender and juicy. Once prepped, heat your olive oil in a large pan over medium heat and gently brown the meatballs, turning occasionally for a golden exterior without overcooking inside. This step builds incredible flavor right from the start.
Step 2: Build the Tomato Sauce
After the meatballs have a beautiful crust, add the finely chopped garlic directly into the pan for a brief saute. This infuses the oil with garlic’s fragrant essence, which pairs wonderfully with the rich sausage. Pour in the chicken stock followed by the smooth tomato passata. Stir in the dried Italian herb mix, red pepper flakes if you like a little heat, and the basil stalk. Let everything simmer together gently, allowing the flavors to mingle beautifully and the sauce to slightly thicken. This quick simmer ensures the meatballs finish cooking inside the sauce, soaking up all that gorgeous flavor.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta and Finish
While your meatballs are simmering, boil your pasta until al dente—just tender with a bit of bite. Drain the pasta, reserving a little of the cooking water just in case you want to loosen the sauce for coating the noodles perfectly. Serve the meatballs and sauce heaped generously over the pasta, then finish with fresh basil leaves and a shower of finely grated Parmesan. Each bite is a celebration of rustic, home-style cooking with the simplicity you really want on a busy day.
How to Serve 15 Minute Sausage Meatballs Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese instantly elevates this dish, adding a creamy, salty finish that melts beautifully into the hot meatballs and sauce. Fresh basil leaves provide a bright, herbaceous note and a pop of green that makes the plate irresistible. If you love a little extra zing, a light drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a pinch of cracked black pepper can help personalize it just for you.
Side Dishes
Pair your sausage meatballs with simple green salads dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is fantastic for soaking up every last drop of that luscious tomato sauce. For a veggie boost, roasted or steamed seasonal greens like broccoli or green beans balance the meal perfectly, making it satisfying and well-rounded.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to switch things up? Try serving the meatballs over creamy mashed potatoes or polenta for an indulgent twist that feels like a cozy hug in every forkful. You could even turn this into a meatball sub sandwich by piling the saucy meatballs into toasted buns with melted mozzarella. No matter how you present them, these 15 Minute Sausage Meatballs bring comfort and joy to the table quickly and effortlessly.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the fridge, where they will stay fresh for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen when rested, making reheated portions even more delicious. Just be sure to cool them completely before refrigerating to maintain texture and taste.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully. Place cooled meatballs and sauce in a freezer-safe container or bag, removing as much air as possible. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. When you want a quick meal, just thaw overnight in the fridge or defrost gently in the microwave.
Reheating
To reheat, warm your meatballs and sauce gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce feels too thick. You can also microwave individual portions, covered, until heated through. Serve with freshly grated Parmesan to bring back that fantastic freshly cooked feel.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked sausage for this 15 Minute Sausage Meatballs Recipe?
While fresh sausage is ideal for texture and flavor, you can use pre-cooked sausage as a shortcut. Just crumble it and warm it through in the sauce to absorb the flavors.
What type of pasta works best with these sausage meatballs?
This recipe is very adaptable: traditional spaghetti, penne, rigatoni, or even fusilli all hold the sauce well. Choose your favorite pasta shape to make it your own.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
You can swap out sausage for plant-based sausage alternatives or seasoned lentils to replicate the texture and savoriness. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
How spicy is this dish? Can I adjust the heat?
The red pepper flakes are optional and offer just a subtle warmth. Feel free to skip or add more depending on your preference for spice.
Is it okay to use regular tomato sauce instead of passata?
Yes, you can substitute tomato passata with smooth tomato sauce, but be mindful of added seasonings or sugar in store-bought sauces that might alter the flavor balance.
Final Thoughts
This 15 Minute Sausage Meatballs Recipe brings together simplicity, speed, and mouthwatering deliciousness in a single, comforting dish. Whether you need a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing meal with minimal fuss, these meatballs deliver every single time. I urge you to give this recipe a try—you’ll love how effortless cooking great food can be, and it might just become a staple you return to 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
This quick 15-minute sausage meatballs recipe features savory sausage meatballs cooked in a flavorful tomato passata sauce infused with garlic, Italian herbs, and a hint of spice. Served with pasta, polenta, or mash, this hearty meal is perfect for a fulfilling weeknight dinner that comes together fast without compromising on taste.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 700 g / 1.4 lb good quality sausages (casings removed)
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 3/4 cup chicken stock or broth, low sodium (substitute with water if desired)
- 700 g / 24 oz tomato passata (US: tomato sauce such as Hunt’s)
- 1/2 tsp dried Italian herb mix (or substitute with dried oregano, or a 50/50 mix of oregano and thyme)
- 1/2 tsp cooking salt / kosher salt (adjust accordingly: +50% for flakes, halve for table salt)
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a hint of warmth; can substitute with a pinch of black pepper)
- 1 sprig basil (use stalk for cooking the sauce, leaves for garnish, optional)
- Parmesan cheese, finely grated (for serving)
- 350 g / 12 oz pasta of choice (or alternatively polenta, mashed potatoes, or bread for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the meatballs: Remove the sausage meat from casings and mix gently if needed. Shape the sausage meat into evenly sized meatballs, approximately 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter to ensure quick cooking. This step sets the foundation for even cooking and balanced flavor throughout.
- Brown the meatballs: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the sausage meatballs and cook them in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Brown the meatballs on all sides, turning carefully so that they develop a nice crust without breaking apart. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Make the sauce and cook meatballs: Once browned, add the finely chopped garlic to the pan and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in 3/4 cup of low sodium chicken stock (or water), 700 g of tomato passata, 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian herb mix, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (if using), and the basil sprig stalk. Stir well to combine and bring to a simmer.
- Simmer and finish cooking: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and allow the meatballs to simmer gently in the sauce for about 5 minutes or until cooked through and the sauce thickens slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to meld flavors.
- Cook the pasta: While the meatballs simmer, cook 350 g of your chosen pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well.
- Serve: Remove basil stalk from the sauce. Plate the cooked pasta and spoon meatballs with the tomato sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and a generous sprinkle of finely grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately for a comforting, satisfying meal.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken stock with water for a lighter version.
- If you want a spicier sauce, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add freshly ground black pepper.
- The tomato passata can be substituted with quality canned tomato sauce if passata is unavailable.
- Feel free to serve the meatballs with polenta, mashed potatoes, or your favorite bread instead of pasta.
- Prepare meatballs evenly sized for uniform cooking in the short time.
