Dinner · italian
Frozen Meatballs with Marinara and Pasta
Frozen meatballs simmered in jarred sauce is a legitimately good dinner that takes no skill and uses one pot alongside the pasta water.
How to make it
Boil salted water and cook pasta per package directions.
While pasta cooks, combine frozen meatballs and marinara in a saucepan over medium heat.
Simmer 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until meatballs are heated through.
Drain pasta and serve topped with meatballs and sauce.
Finish with parmesan.
Costco Kirkland frozen beef meatballs are the best value buy and consistently well-rated. Trader Joe's Italian-style meatballs and Party Size meatballs from Farm Rich are both widely available and heat through reliably in about 12 minutes. For sauce, Rao's Homemade Marinara is the best shelf option. Mezzetta Napa Valley Homemade Marinara is a strong budget alternative.
Add a handful of frozen spinach directly to the simmering sauce and it disappears without complaint from most kids. Serve over spaghetti, penne, or rigatoni depending on what's in the pantry. Swap pasta for hoagie rolls and you have meatball subs, which counts as a completely different dinner.
Need tonight's dinner handled?
Playful Parents knows your family — what's worked before, how much energy everyone has — and suggests one specific meal. Not a list. One.
Try Playful Parents free →Times are approximate. Adjust to your stove and your kids.