Spicy Italian Meatballs

Prep Time: 10 mins  Cook Time: 1 hour

 

INGREDIENTS

450g minced beef
450g minced pork
3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan
1/2 cup ricotta cheese
1/4 cup fresh parsley, minced
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
1/4 tsp salt
3 cloves garlic, grated
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 parsley, minced
3 tbsp tomato paste
2 tbsp sugar
1/4 tsp salt
Freshly ground black pepper

 

DIRECTIONS

STEP 1: For the meatballs, Combine the minced beef, pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, ricotta, parsley, salt, garlic, eggs, milk and black pepper in a bowl. Mash with your hands until thoroughly combined.

STEP 2: Form into small balls and place on a baking sheet. Set in the fridge for 1 hour.

STEP 3: 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.

STEP 4: For the sauce, Into the same skillet, add the garlic and onions and cook for 2 to 3 minutes.

STEP 5: Add the tomato sauce, parsley, tomato paste, sugar, salt and black pepper. Reduce the heat to medium low and cook for 15 to 20 minutes.

STEP 6: Add the meatballs back to the skillet and simmer another 15 minutes.

STEP 7: Serve with toothpicks.