Classic Spaghetti And Meatballs

Instructions

• MEATBALLS: Combine beef, pork, egg, onion, parmesan, bread crumbs, parsley, garlic, oregano, salt and pepper in a large bowl. Mix with hands until evenly combined.

• SCOOP mixture by heaping tablespoonful and form into balls. Place on a baking sheet. Rinse hands as needed to make it easier to form balls.

• HEAT 2 tbsp oil in a large pot over medium-high. Add half the meatballs and cook until browned on all sides, about 4 min. Remove with a slotted spoon to a plate. Add remaining 1 tbsp oil and repeat with remaining meatballs.

• SAUCE: Reduce heat in same pot to medium-low. Add onion and garlic and cook until softened, 2 to 3 min. Stir in tomato paste and cook 2 min. Crush tomatoes with fingers and add to pot, then add sugar, salt and hot-pepper flakes, stirring to combine. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until thickened slightly, about 15 min. Stir in parmesan.

• RETURN meatballs and any juices to pot and stir gently into sauce. Bring to a simmer and cook over low until meatballs are cooked through, 15 min, stirring a few times, being careful to avoid breaking up meatballs.

• BOIL spaghetti in a large pot of salted water, following package directions. Drain, then divide pasta among plates and top with meatballs and sauce. Top spaghetti and meatballs with more parmesan.