Mom's Favorite Meatballs and Red Sauce:

Recipe repost 💕


You can't miss pleasing everyone with these wonderful meatballs.  I have given this recipe out for years!  My hubby's work cookbook, my daughter's school cookbook, my junior woman's cookbook plus numerous other friends and family have enjoyed them for what seems like forever.

  I don't think originally most meatballs were made with 3 meats but Mom's were and I'd like to say she was one of the few in the area I grew up that used all three. Beef, pork and veal was her combination but beef and pork works well too.  Tender, moist and so good.  I think they are the best!



Mom always said the MEAT MAKES THE SAUCE so remember to use good quality meats..I make my sauce with different add in's, meatballs, country style pork spare ribs, braciole or good link sausage.  Here is my basic meatball recipe.

From my kitchen to  yours, 

M.J.

l  3/4 lb. meatloaf mix or any combination or meats(add ground veal if possible)
1 1/2 tsp.salt
pinch pepper
2 or 3 cloves minced garlic
1 tsp. parsley
1egg beaten
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
3/4 cup Italian cheese)grated (Romano, Pecorino Romano)
1/2 cup milk

While running your hands occasionally under cold water, mix all ingredients with hands until blended thoroughly.  Recipe should make about 50 small to medium meatballs.  Bake 400 degrees until lightly browned.  Add to Red Sauce Recipe or Sauce of your choice.

Red Sauce

3 large (28 oz) crushed tomatoes or puree
1 (15 oz) Tomato Sauce(optional)
1 (6 oz) Tomato Paste
3 or 4 cloves minced garlic
1/2 tsp. onion powder
4 tsp. Olive or Canola oil
1/2 to 3/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper or pepper flakes(optional)
1 tsp. dried basil or 2 or 3 fresh basil leaves

Saute garlic on low heat in oil in large sauce pot.  Cook slowly  (so garlic will not burn).  Add tomato paste and tomato sauce.  Simmer for a few minutes then add the crushed tomatoes, basil , salt and pepper...Note: add a little water to cans to make sure you get every bit of tomatoes out of them. (about 1/2 c. total).  Cook on medium heat(cover slightly with lid) until sauce starts to bubble then reduce heat and simmer for about 3 hours stirring at different intervals. Remember to add whatever meat you choose.  Pork definitely adds a lot of flavor to the sauce so don't skimp.  It'll give your sauce a great flavor...( REMEMBER TO BROWN ALL MEAT BEFORE YOU PUT IT IN THE SAUCE) Happy Cooking!

5/31/11
5/27/13