meatball

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 pound ground pork (optional, can use all beef)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for some heat)

For the sauce:

• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance the acidity)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients for the meatballs: ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, minced garlic, chopped onion, egg, salt, black pepper, dried oregano, dried basil, and crushed red pepper flakes. Mix everything together until well combined. You can use your hands or a spoon for this.
3. Shape the mixture into meatballs of your desired size (about 1-2 inches in diameter) and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Leave a little space between each meatball.
4. Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are cooked through and browned on the outside.
5. While the meatballs are baking, prepare the sauce. In a saucepan, combine the marinara sauce, crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, sugar (if using), salt, and pepper. Heat the sauce over medium heat until it simmers. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently while the meatballs finish cooking.
6. Once the meatballs are done, transfer them to the saucepan with the simmering sauce. Stir gently to coat the meatballs with the sauce.
7. Allow the meatballs to simmer in the sauce for an additional 10-15 minutes, so they absorb the flavors and become tender.
8. Serve the meatballs and sauce over cooked pasta, or as a filling for sandwiches, or as an appetizer on toothpicks. Garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley, if desired.

These meatballs are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. They make a delicious main course or can be served as part of a buffet or appetizer spread. Enjoy!