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Ingredients
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Meatballs
Tomato Sauce
To Serve
Method
Meatballs
- 1
Prepare meatball mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk. Let sit for 5 minutes to absorb. Then add ground beef, ground pork, egg, garlic, parsley, grated Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands or a spoon until just combined. Do not overmix.
- 2
Shape meatballs
Using your hands, form the mixture into 1.5-inch diameter meatballs. You should get about 16-18 meatballs.
- 3
Brown meatballs
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs in batches, turning gently to brown on all sides, about 6-8 minutes. Do not overcrowd the pan. Remove meatballs and set aside.
Tomato Sauce
- 4
Sauté aromatics
In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Sauté chopped onion over medium heat until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
- 5
Simmer sauce
Add crushed tomatoes, salt, pepper, oregano, basil, and sugar (if using). Stir well and bring to a simmer.
- 6
Cook meatballs in sauce
Return browned meatballs to the pan. Cover and simmer over low heat for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until meatballs are cooked through and sauce has thickened slightly.
To Serve
- 7
Serve meatballs hot, spooned with tomato sauce. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves if desired.
