Pasta with Ricotta Meatballs and Smoky Tomato Sauce

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 red onion, left whole, peeled
• 5 cups peeled, seeded and diced canned “fire-roasted” tomatoes, such as Muir Glen brand
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 4 basil sprigs
• ½ small yellow onion, minced
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup fresh breadcrumbs
• 3 tablespoons milk
• 3/4 teaspoon dry oregano
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1/2 pound lean ground pork
• ½ pound grass fed lean ground beef
• 3/4 cup ricotta
• 1 egg, whisked
• 1 1/2 cups freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 pound dry spaghetti or rigatoni