**Classic Italian Meatballs in Tomato Sauce**

**Classic Italian Meatballs in Tomato Sauce**

Ingredients:

**For the Meatballs:**
– 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
– 1/4 cup milk
– 1 large egg
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– 1/2 tsp dried oregano
– 1/2 tsp dried basil
– 2 tbsp olive oil (for frying)

**For the Tomato Sauce:**
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– 1 tsp dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
– Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish

Instructions:

1. **Prepare the Meatballs:**
– In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, milk, egg, minced garlic, salt, pepper, oregano, and basil.
– Mix everything together until well combined, but be careful not to overwork the meat, as this can make the meatballs tough.
– Form the mixture into small balls, about 1-1.5 inches in diameter, and place them on a plate.

2. **Cook the Meatballs:**
– Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
– Add the meatballs in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes per batch. The meatballs don’t need to be fully cooked through, as they will finish cooking in the sauce.
– Remove the browned meatballs from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.

3. **Prepare the Tomato Sauce:**
– In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
– Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
– Pour in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and bring the sauce to a simmer.

4. **Simmer the Meatballs:**
– Carefully place the browned meatballs into the simmering tomato sauce.
– Cover the skillet and let the meatballs cook in the sauce for 20-25 minutes, until they are cooked through and tender.

5. **Serve:**
– Garnish the meatballs with fresh basil or