Making homemade meatballs is a lot of work. I used to make a large batch to make it worth it, bake them in the oven, then store them in ziplocks in the freezer. Then I discovered the Walmart Italian style meatballs. Way more easier to just count out about 14 for a meal for two and they're pretty tasty.
What's more important is the sauce. I start out with a tbsp of olive oil, then add the frozen meatballs (about 14 - enough for two), 1/2 diced medium onion, 1/2 diced medium bell pepper, and about 3 large cloves of finely minced garlic.
Sautee all together on a medium heat stirring often to prevent the meatballs from burning, until the onions are soft and transparent and the peppers also are soft.
While the above are cooking, I prepare the other ingredients in a small bowl that I can quickly dump into the pan. In the bowl goes 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp sugar, 1 tsp fresh ground black pepper (or 1/2 black with 1/2 white), 1 tsp paprika, 1 tbsp freshly minced basil, 1 tbsp freshly minced oregano, 1/2 tbsp freshly minced thyme, 1/2 tbsp freshly minced parsley, a dash of ginger, and 1/2 can of tomato paste.
When the vegetables and meatballs are ready as noted above, dump in the remaining ingredients and add 1 cup of water. Continuously stir over medium heat until everything is thoroughly mixed (about five minutes) them let simmer for 10 - 15 mins. I can prepare this meal in about 30 minutes from the time the frozen meatballs hit the pan to table.
Serve with your favorite pasta, salad, corn on the cob, wine/beer, and garlic bread.
WHOA!!! “14 for a meal for 2..” What are they..like olives?