1 lb. ground beef
1 lb. ground pork
1 cup bread crumbs (plain or seasoned)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup fresh Italian parsley, chopped
6 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/4 tsp. ground cumin seed (optional)
1/2 tsp. each basil and oregano (dried) or 1 tbsp. fresh
1/3 cup finely chopped onion
1/3 cup finely chopped green/red bell pepper
1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes (or to taste)
1/2 tsp. each salt and black pepper
2 or 3 eggs, beaten

Preheat oven to 375°F.

In a large bowl, combine all ingredients using the kneading attachment of an electric mixer or clean hands (remove all jewelry).

Lightly roll into 2 to 2 1/2-inch meatballs. Place on a cookie sheet sprayed with non-stick spray.

Bake at 375°F for 25 to 30 minutes, or until browned.

Serving Suggestions:

Add to hot pasta sauce and serve over cooked pasta or in sub rolls topped with spaghetti sauce.

In sandwiches, cover chopped meatballs with grated mozzarella or provolone cheese slices and run under broiler briefly until cheese is bubbly and melted.

Submitted by: CM