Big-Batch Meatballs and Red Sauce

1. For the sauce: Swirl the oil and garlic in a medium saucepan over medium heat until the garlic is just lightly browned and fragrant, about 4 minutes. Add the tomatoes and 1 cup water, and bring to a high simmer. Reduce the heat to medium-low, add the basil and 2 teaspoons salt and simmer, uncovered, until thickened, 20 to 25 minutes. Set aside and keep warm.

2. For the meatballs: Preheat the oven to 220°C. Tear the bread into very small pieces. Pour the milk over the bread, and let sit until the bread is soft, about 5 minutes.

3. Add the beef, pork, Parmesan, eggs, onions, parsley, garlic, 2 teaspoons salt and chilli flakes, and thoroughly mix with your hands. Divide the mixture evenly into 36 mounds, and roll each into a ball.

4. Brush 2 rimmed baking sheets generously with oil. Evenly divide the meatballs between the sheets, and roll them around to coat in oil. Bake until golden brown and cooked through, rotating the sheets halfway through if needed, 15 to 20 minutes.

5. Transfer the meatballs to the warm sauce, and cook for 5 minutes over medium-low heat. Let the meatballs and sauce cool completely, divide evenly among four 1-quart containers and freeze for up to 1 month.

6. To reheat: Let a container of the meatballs and sauce thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Transfer them to a microwave-safe container, and microwave in 2-minute increments, gently stirring after each, until the meatballs are heated through.

Copyright 2016 Television Food Network, G.P. All rights reserved.

From Food Network Kitchen