Penne with Meatballs

This is a slightly different recipe for meatballs and gravy (red sauce) from a prior post.  Here I am adding some ground pork to my meatball mixture and I really enjoy the added flavor.  Made this today for my coworkers, and Paula asked me to send her the recipe.  So here it is...

Meatballs:
1 cup plain bread crumbs
2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced and chopped
1 pound ground beef (Chuck or Sirloin)
1/2 pound ground pork (Ask your butcher to mix the meats together for you)
1/3 cup freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese
3 eggs
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Fresh Chopped Parsley
3 table spoons extra virgin olive oil-- for frying


In a bowl mix all the ingredients with your hands except for the olive oil. Continue to mix it together until it all sticks together. It should look like one giant meatball.  If the mixture feels wet, add some breadcrumb and cheese.  Add a little bit at a time not to over do it.

Break off pieces of meat mixture, and roll it in your hands making meatballs and set aside. (You can determine how big or small you want them)

In a large frying pan, add the 3 tbls of Olive Oil and heat over medium heat.
Add the meatballs frying them until they are browned on all sides.
Line a plate with 3-4 paper towels and transfer the fried meatballs to help drain some of the oil.

For the sauce:

Ingredients Below-

•  1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 3/4 of a very large onion chopped
• 2-3 Bay Leaves
• 6 or more Fresh Basil Leaves
• 2 28 ounce Cans of Plain Tomatoes (I used Pastene Chunky Style)
• Little more than 1/2 Can of Water (Use one of the empty tomato cans)

Making the Sauce:

• In a large pot slowly heat up the 1/4 cup of Olive Oil and add the chopped onion.
• Sprinkle with salt and pepper. 
• Saute` the onion for 3 minutes or until just soft, stirring with a wooden spoon.
• Add the 2 cans of Tomatoes and 1/2 can of water, and bring it to a boil. Once it boils, turn heat down to low, and add:

• Bay Leaves
• Basil
• Salt and Pepper to taste( You can always add more as it starts to cook and develop flavors)

Stir it all mixing well then add the fried meatballs
Stir occasionally and Cook for 2 hours, or until flavors are developed and meatballs are cooked through