Rustic Italian Meatballs in Tomato Sauce Recipe: Family Favorite - The Pass and Provisions

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450 grams) ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
• 1 large egg
• ¼ cup (25 grams) parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) milk
• ½ cup (50 grams) breadcrumbs
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp dried basil
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsps olive oil (for frying)
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (28 oz/800 grams) crushed tomatoes
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
• Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)