1.

In a large bowl, gently combine the beef, pork, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan, parsley, salt and pepper with your hands.

2.

Heat a drizzle of oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot set over medium-high heat and cook the garlic for a minute or two.

3.

Pour in the tomatoes, add the onion and butter, give everything a stir and a good pinch of salt.

4.

Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20-30 minutes, while you shape the meat mixture into 1-2 inch balls.

5.

Drop them into the simmering sauce. You might not fit them all into your pot - that's ok. Leave the rest to simmer after the first has been cooked, or freeze them for another batch.

6.

Cover the pot with a lid and leave it to simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring only gently and occasionally, until the meatballs are cooked through.

7.

Serve with pasta and Parmesan.