📖 Instructions

1. First things first, let's tackle those köttbullar! In a large mixing bowl, gently combine 1 pound of ground beef (I prefer 80/20), 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup of milk, 1 egg, 1/4 cup finely chopped onion, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Don't overmix – just enough to combine everything. Trust me, gentle is key here.
2. Now for the fun part – rolling the meatballs! Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs. If you like, you can use a small ice cream scoop to ensure they're all uniform. This is totally optional, but makes for pretty plating.
3. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil and then carefully add the meatballs. You'll want to cook them in batches to avoid crowding the pan. Cook them until nice and browned on all sides. This takes about 8-10 minutes. Once browned, set them aside.
4. Meanwhile, let's get that amazing tomato sauce going! In a large saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 finely chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Don't rush this part; you want that lovely caramelization.
5. Stir in 2 cloves of minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. If you’re like me and *love* garlic, add an extra clove! It's a culinary adventure, after all!
6. Now add a 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes, 1/2 cup of beef broth, 1 tablespoon of tomato paste, 1 teaspoon of sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of dried basil, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and a generous pinch of black pepper. Stir well to combine all the lovely flavors.
7. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for at least 15 minutes. The longer it simmers, the richer and more flavorful it becomes. Now's a good time to pour yourself a glass of wine and relax; you deserve it!
8. After 15 minutes (or longer!), gently add the browned meatballs to the sauce. Stir them in gently to coat them. Cover and let them simmer for another 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. I often find myself sneaking a köttbullar or two at this stage. Oops!
9. While the meatballs simmer, grate 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese. You want it nice and finely grated, not chunky. This is important to ensure proper melty goodness.
10. Once the meatballs are cooked through, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. It should melt beautifully into the sauce. If it doesn't melt completely, simply warm it through on low heat for another couple of minutes.
11. Finally, taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or even a dash of Worcestershire sauce if you fancy. Remember, cooking is an art, and tweaking the seasoning to your taste is an important step!
12. Serve these delightful köttbullar over pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or even crusty bread. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. You've worked hard, you deserve a delicious reward!