Italian Meatballs with Spaghetti Sauce

Italian Meatballs with Spaghetti Sauce

For the Meatballs:

1 lb. ground beef

1 c. fresh breadcrumbs

1 c. grated Parmesan

1/4 c. fresh parsley

1/2 large onion, chopped fine

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 large eggs

2 tsp oregano

2 tsp. basil

1 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. pepper

1 Tbsp. oil

1.  Combine all ingredients except the oil in a large bowl. Mix with your hands - it's much easier that way! 

2.  Form into 1 1/2 inch meatballs.  

3.  Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  Place meatballs on foil lined baking pan. Drizzle with oil. Bake for 20 to 22 minutes or until browned.  Remove from baking sheet and drain.

4.  Add to spaghetti sauce and simmer for 20 minutes.

For the Sauce:

1 (28 oz.) can crushed tomatoes

2 (8 oz.) cans tomato sauce

2 (6 oz) cans tomato paste

1 1/2 c. water

1 tsp. minced garlic

1 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. pepper

1/8 tsp. crushed red pepper

1 Tbsp. oregano

1 1/2 tsp. basil

3 bay leaves

1 Tbsp. Italian seasoning

Mix it all in a pot and simmer for 2 1/2 hours.

Serve over spaghetti or the pasta of your choice.