Grandma's Italian Meatballs

Ingredients

Meatballs:

• 1 pound ground beef (mix of beef and pork recommended)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions

1. Combine all meatball ingredients in a large bowl. Mix until just combined, then form into 1.5-inch meatballs. Chill for 30 minutes.
2. In a large skillet, brown the meatballs in batches. Set aside.
3. In the same skillet, cook the onion and garlic, then add tomatoes, sugar, and bay leaf to make the sauce.
4. Add the meatballs back to the skillet, cover, and simmer for 25-30 minutes.
5. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil.

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