Make the Meatballs Mix all meatball ingredients in a bowl until just combined. Roll into 1-inch balls. Brown in olive oil over medium heat (5–7 min), then set aside.
Start the Sauce In the same pan, sauté onion in olive oil until soft (5 min). Add garlic and cook 1–2 min. Stir in tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, herbs, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
Add Sausage Brown sausage whole or crumbled in the sauce. Cook through, then slice if needed.
Simmer Meatballs Add browned meatballs to the sauce. Spoon sauce over them and simmer on low for 45–60 minutes.
Serve Spoon sauce, meatballs, and sausage over pasta. Garnish with Parmesan and fresh basil. Serve with garlic bread or salad.
🍽 Tips & Variations
Use rigatoni or spaghetti for a classic pairing.
Add zucchini, spinach, or carrots for extra veggies.
Make ahead: Sauce tastes even better the next day.
Freeze leftovers in portions for easy weeknight meals.
