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Soft Italian Meatballs

Tender Italian meatballs simmered in rich tomato sauce, perfect over pasta or in subs.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 380

Ingredients
  

Meatballs
  • 1 lb ground beef 80% lean
  • 1 lb ground pork
  • 1 cup fresh breadcrumbs
  • 0.5 cup whole milk
  • 2 eggs large
  • 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese grated
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tbsp parsley chopped
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes optional
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
Tomato Sauce
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium onion finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 28 oz crushed tomatoes
  • 15 oz tomato sauce
  • 1 tsp sugar optional
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh basil

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Large pot
  • Skillet
  • Wooden spoon

Method
 

  1. Combine breadcrumbs and milk. Soak 10 minutes.
  2. Mix beef, pork, soaked breadcrumbs, eggs, Parmesan, garlic, parsley, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, oregano until combined.
  3. Form 1.5-inch meatballs.
  4. Optional: Brown meatballs in skillet with olive oil, 2–3 minutes per side.
  5. Heat olive oil in pot. Sauté onions until translucent, 5 minutes. Add garlic 1 minute.
  6. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, sugar, dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer.
  7. Add meatballs. Cover, simmer 25–30 minutes, turning occasionally.
  8. Garnish with basil and serve.

Notes

Gentle mixing ensures soft meatballs. Simmer slowly for tenderness.