These meatballs are tasty and versatile. In red sauce, they can be eaten with spaghetti or they can be made into a hearty sandwich. Leftovers can be frozen and used for a quick dinner on a busy day.

Meatballs

• 1 pound ground beef, low fat
• 1 pound ground Italian sausage
• 2 eggs
• 1 medium onion
• 1 Tablespoon EVOO
• bread crumbs
• salt and pepper
• olive oil

Red Sauce

• 1 small can tomato paste
• 2 large cans tomato sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, diced
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• salt and pepper to taste

(Note: for a chunkier sauce, substitute one large can of diced tomatoes for one can of tomato sauce)

Grate or finely chop onion into a large mixing bowl. Reserve half of the grated onion in a separate bowl for the sauce.
Add bread crumbs and one tablespoon of EVOO.
Add two eggs and mix until the eggs are scrambled and the mixture is consistent.
Add ground beef and ground sausage to the mixing bowl by breaking the meat into small pieces and gently mixing and tossing the pieces with the egg mixture. Combine the mixture thoroughly but avoid squeezing the meat together as much as possible to avoid over-working the meat.
In a large sauce pan or dutch oven, place three tablespoon of olive oil and heat over medium flame. Form meatballs into approximately 1 ½” balls without overworking the meat. Brown the outside of the meatballs by gently turning them every few minutes. I find it easiest to cook in batches.
When brown, remove with a slotted spoon to a bowl. Continue until all of the mixture has been used.
Once all the meatballs are cooked, add the remaining onions to the saucepan and cook until the onions soften.
Add one small can of tomato paste. Fill empty can with water, add to pan and blend ingredients.
Add two large cans of tomato sauce to pan and mix ingredients thoroughly.
Season sauce by adding garlic, basil and oregano.
Add meatballs and allow sauce to simmer for at least one hour.
Adjust final seasoning with salt and pepper.