created by Helen Chin Lui

Prep Time:Ā Ā  Ā 40 minutes
Cooking Time:Ā Ā  Ā Varies by cooking method
Notes:Ā Ā  Ā Serves 10-15 people

You will need 3 lbs of ground meat for this recipe.Ā  I generally use the combination below or you can use substitute the beef and veal with either ground chicken or ground turkey. I found that you need the ground pork to keep the meatballs juicy.

Recipe can be easily be doubled.

Ingredients
1 lb 85% lean ground beef
1 lb ground pork
1 lb ground veal
3 large or extra large eggs
1 medium to large onion, chopped
4 cloves of garlic, chopped
2 t dried oregano
2 t dried basil
1 C grated Parmesan cheese
2 C dry breadcrumbs or 2 C fresh gluten-free bread
Ā½ C fresh parsley, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.Ā  Have one or two large baking pans ready.
In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 lbs of meat, eggs, onion, garlic, oregano, basil, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, parsley, salt and pepper to a large mixing bowl.Ā  Use your hands to combine all ingredients well.Ā  Do NOT over-mix or the meatballs will be tough.

Roll meatballs 1ā€ – 2ā€³ in diameter.Ā  Place meatballs on the baking pan(s) side by side (as many as you can).Ā  Bake until golden brown, 15-20 minutes for 2ā€ meatballs, slightly less if they are smaller.Ā  They do not need to be turned during cooking.Ā  Remove the meatballs from the oven when done and set aside.

Sauce
Ingredients
3 (16 oz) cans plain tomato sauce
3-4 cloves garlic, chopped
1 t dried oregano
1 t dried basil
Ā½ C grated Parmesan cheese
Ā½ C fresh parsley, chopped
Ā½ t dried red pepper flakes
1 small onion, chopped
Ā½ C milk (can substitute soy milk or almond milk)

Directions
In a large saucepan (big enough to accommodate sauce and meatballs,) add the tomato sauce, garlic, oregano, basil, Parmesan cheese, parsley, red pepper flakes, onion and milk.Ā  Stir until combined.Ā  Add meatballs. Turn heat to high and bring to a boil.Ā  Once the sauce is boiling, turn down the heat to low and simmer for 40-60 minutes.

Options for finishing
Crock Pot
This method is perfect if you are serving the meatballs for a party.Ā  Place meatballs in a crock-pot and pour the sauce over them.Ā  Cook on low setting for 5-6 hours.
Oven Baked
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.Ā  Place the meatballs in a large, clean roasting pan.Ā  Pour the sauce over them, cover, and bake for 1 hour.Ā  I often sprinkle 1-2 cups of mozzarella cheese over the meatballs for the last 15 minutes of cooking. Bake until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve with bread or your favorite pasta.

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