Spicy Italian Meatballs

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Ingredients

  • Meatballs:
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 pound ground pork 
  • 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs 
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan 
  • 1/2 cup ricotta cheese 
  • 1/4 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, minced 
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper 
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt 
  • 3 cloves garlic, grated on a rasp grater
  • 2 whole eggs 
  • Splash of milk 
  • Freshly ground black pepper 
  • 1/2 cup olive oil, for frying
  • Sauce:
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 onion, diced 
  • Two 28-ounce cans tomato sauce 
  • 1/4 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, minced 
  • 3 tablespoons tomato paste 
  • 2 tablespoons sugar 
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt 
  • Crushed red pepper, as needed
  • Freshly ground black pepper 

Directions

  1. 1

    For the meatballs: Combine the ground beef, pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, ricotta, parsley, crushed red pepper, salt, garlic, eggs, milk and black pepper in a bowl. Mash with your hands until thoroughly combined. Form into small balls and place on a baking sheet. Set in the fridge for 1 hour.

  2. 2

    Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the meatballs in batches until nice and deep golden, then move them to a plate.

  3. 3

    For the sauce: Into the same skillet, add the garlic and onions and cook for 2 to 3 minutes. Add the tomato sauce, parsley, tomato paste, sugar, salt, crushed red pepper and black pepper. Reduce the heat to medium low and cook for 15 to 20 minutes.

  4. 4

    Add the meatballs back to the skillet and simmer another 15 minutes. Keep warm until serving.

  5. 5

    Transfer to a chafing dish and serve with frilly toothpicks.