Maggiano'S Meatball Recipe

Ingredients

• Ground beef 1 pound Use 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio
• Ground pork 1/2 pound Freshly ground preferred
• Italian breadcrumbs 3/4 cup
• Milk 1/2 cup Whole milk for moisture
• Parmesan cheese 1/2 cup Finely grated
• Eggs 2 large Lightly beaten
• Garlic 3 cloves Minced
• Fresh parsley 1/4 cup Finely chopped
• Salt 1 teaspoon Adjust to taste
• Black pepper 1/2 teaspoon Freshly ground
• Red pepper flakes 1/4 teaspoon Optional, for mild heat
• Olive oil 2 tablespoons Extra virgin for best flavor
• Onion 1 medium Finely diced
• Garlic 4 cloves Minced
• Crushed tomatoes 28 ounces (1 can) High-quality canned tomatoes
• Tomato paste 2 tablespoons Concentrates tomato flavor
• Sugar 1 tablespoon Balances acidity
• Dried oregano 1 teaspoon
• Fresh basil 6 leaves Chopped