Best Italian Meatballs in Tomato Sauce

Ingredients

• 500g (1 lb) ground beef (80% lean for juiciness)
• 250g (½ lb) ground pork (optional, for extra flavor)
• ½ cup fresh breadcrumbs or panko
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 large eggs
• 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped or 1 tsp dried
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tbsp milk (to soften breadcrumbs)
• Olive oil, for browning
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 800g 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp sugar (balances acidity)
• 1 tsp dried basil or a handful of fresh basil leaves
• Salt & pepper, to taste
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes for heat