Meatballs and Sauce

Meatballs and a glass of red wine.  Really, is there anything better?

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WHAT YOU WILL NEED

meatballs

1.5 - 1/8 pounds ground chuck (or a meatloaf mixture of ground chuck and pork)

3/4 cup seasoned breadcrumbs

3/4 cup milk

1 egg, beaten

1  tbs. garlic powder

1 tbs. Italian seasoning

2 tbs. parmesan cheese (the green can is fine for this)

salt/pepper

1 small onion chopped

sauce

1  28-ounce can tomato sauce

1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes in puree

1 small onion, chopped

salt

garlic powder

1/4 cup red wine (a good wine you would drink so you can finish it with dinner)

olive oil

 also:  ricotta cheese, fresh basil, crusty bread

Make meatballs:  In large bowl mix bread crumbs, onion, egg, and milk.  Let sit to soak.  Add garlic powder, italian seasoning, parmesan cheese, and sprinkle in some salt and pepper.  Mix together and add ground chuck.  Mix with clean hands until all incorporated, shape into 8 meatballs.  Bake in 350 degree oven for 1 hour.

In the meantime, make the sauce:  drizzle olive oil in deep pan and saute the other onion on lower heat until translucent.  Add minced garlic and saute (do not let brown).   Add tomatoes, then sauce and red wine.  Sprinkle with salt and garlic powder and simmer on low, just bubbling, for approx 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.  

When meatballs are done, remove from pan and add to the sauce with any pan drippings.  Simmer another 15 minutes to let the flavors come together.

Serve meatballs in bowl with sauce, fresh basil, parmesan cheese, a spoonful of ricotta cheese, some grilled/crusty bread for dipping, and pour yourself a glass of the red wine you used for the sauce :)