MeltInYourMouth Italian Meatballs The Soffritto Secret

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil (30 ml)
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped (about 1 cup)
• 1 large carrot, finely chopped (about ½ cup)
• 2 celery stalks, finely chopped (about ½ cup)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 teaspoons)
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend recommended) (454g)
• ½ pound ground pork (227g)
• 1 cup fresh breadcrumbs (made from about 3 slices of white bread, crusts removed) (80g)
• ½ cup milk (whole or 2% recommended) (120 ml)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving (50g)
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• All-purpose flour for dredging (about ¼ cup)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, for browning (optional)
• 28 oz crushed tomatoes, for sauce (optional)