Homemade Italian meatballs

simple and delicious recipe for homemade Italian meatballs:

Ingredients:

For the Meatballs:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 pound ground pork
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup milk
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for cooking

For the Sauce:

• 2 cans (28 ounces each) crushed tomatoes
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped parsley, eggs, milk, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
3. Form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet.
4. Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until they are cooked through and browned on the outside.
5. While the meatballs are baking, prepare the sauce. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and garlic, sauté until softened.
6. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and add chopped basil and parsley. Season with salt and pepper. If the tomatoes are too acidic, you can add a teaspoon of sugar to balance the flavors.
7. Allow the sauce to simmer for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
8. Once the meatballs are cooked, transfer them to the skillet with the sauce and let them simmer together for an additional 10-15 minutes.
9. Serve the meatballs over cooked pasta or as a sandwich with crusty Italian bread. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley if desired.

Enjoy your delicious homemade Italian meatballs!