Grandma's Italian Meatballs

 

Ingredients:

1 1/2 pound ground beef

1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup milk

1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 large egg

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon dried basil

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes

1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes

1/2 teaspoon sugar

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Directions:

Prepare the Meatball Mixture:

In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, milk, parsley, garlic, egg, salt, black pepper, oregano, and basil.

Mix until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.

Form the Meatballs:

Shape the mixture into 1 1/2-inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet.

Cook the Meatballs:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Add the meatballs in batches, searing them on all sides until browned, about 5 minutes per batch.

Transfer the browned meatballs to a plate.

Prepare the Sauce:

In the same skillet, add crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, sugar, and red pepper flakes (if using).

Bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring occasionally.

Simmer the Meatballs:

Return the meatballs to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce.

Cover and simmer on low heat for 30 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through.

Serve:

Serve the meatballs hot, with your favorite pasta or crusty bread.