Italian Sausage Meatballs

Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the Italian sausage meat (removed from casings) with ground beef or pork.
2. Add breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped parsley, beaten egg, salt, and pepper to the bowl.
3. Mix all the ingredients together until well combined. You can use your hands for this step, but avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.

Step 2: Form the Meatballs

1. Take small portions of the meat mixture and roll them into meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. You can adjust the size according to your preference.
2. Place the formed meatballs on a plate or baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 3: Cook the Meatballs

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Once the oil is hot, add the meatballs in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
3. Cook the meatballs, turning occasionally, until they are browned on all sides and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. You can cover the skillet with a lid to help the meatballs cook evenly.

Step 4: Make the Tomato Sauce (Optional)

1. If you’re serving the meatballs with tomato sauce, you can prepare a simple homemade sauce while the meatballs are cooking.
2. In another skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Add crushed tomatoes and Italian seasoning to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Simmer the sauce for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Stir in fresh chopped basil just before serving.

Step 5: Serve

1. Once the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce is ready (if using), you can serve the meatballs hot.
2. You can either toss the meatballs in the tomato sauce or serve them alongside it.
3. Garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley, if desired.

Visual Guide:

Gather Italian sausage, ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, parsley, olive oil, crushed tomatoes, onion, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and basil.

Mix together the sausage, beef, breadcrumbs, cheese, egg, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper to form the meatball mixture.

Roll the meat mixture into small meatballs.

Brown the meatballs in a skillet until cooked through.

Prepare a simple tomato sauce with onions, garlic, crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and basil.

Serve the meatballs with tomato sauce, garnished with Parmesan cheese and parsley.

Enjoy your delicious Italian sausage meatballs, whether you serve them as a main dish, appetizer, or in your favorite pasta dish!