Scrumptious meatballs from Mom. Mom never browned them first if she was using in her spaghetti sauce. She would drop them in raw and let them simmer for 40 mins. You will have to skim off any excess fat that rises to the top of the sauce if done this way. Or you can saute them first or bake in the oven before adding them to the sauce. No need to skim off any grease if pre-cooked.