Follow these steps to create a dish that will transport you to a cozy Italian trattoria:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, eggs, garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined.
3. Shape the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until they are browned and cooked through.
5. While the meatballs are baking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
6. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, red wine (if using), basil, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
7. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
8. Once the meatballs are done, transfer them to the skillet with the tomato sauce. Gently stir to coat the meatballs in the sauce.
9. Allow the meatballs to simmer in the sauce for an additional 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.

From my experience, the key to perfect meatballs is not over-mixing the meat. Keep it gentle to ensure they remain tender and juicy. It’s a technique I picked up from watching my abuela, who always had a knack for knowing just the right touch.