Classic Italian Meatballs in Rich Tomato Sauce: A Flavorful and Comforting Delight

MetaBalls

instructions:

Prepare the Meatballs:

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef and ground pork. Mix well to combine.

Add in the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped parsley, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper.

Crack in the eggs and mix everything together until the mixture is evenly combined. Don't overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.

Form the Meatballs:

With clean hands, take portions of the mixture and roll them into meatballs of your desired size. A golf ball-sized meatball is a common choice. Place the formed meatballs on a plate or baking sheet.

Cook the Meatballs:

You can either bake, fry, or brown the meatballs before adding them to the sauce. Here's how to do each method:

Baking: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are cooked through and nicely browned.

Frying: In a large skillet, heat a few tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook, turning occasionally, until they are browned on all sides and cooked through. This usually takes about 10-15 minutes.

Browning: If you prefer, you can brown the meatballs in a skillet and then transfer them to the sauce to finish cooking.

Prepare the Tomato Sauce:

In a separate saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it becomes translucent.

Stir in the minced garlic, dried basil, dried oregano, and sugar. Cook for about 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant.

Add the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Stir well to combine.

Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Combine Meatballs and Sauce:

Gently place the cooked meatballs into the tomato sauce. Make sure they are submerged in the sauce.

Allow the meatballs to simmer in the sauce for an additional 10-15 minutes to absorb the flavors.

Serve:

Serve the Italian meatballs and sauce over cooked spaghetti or your choice of pasta.

Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil leaves, if desired.

Enjoy your delicious homemade Italian meatballs with a flavorful tomato sauce and pasta!