Making Italian Meatballs is a straightforward process. Follow these steps to create a dish that everyone will love:

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures your meatballs will bake evenly.

2. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, minced garlic, egg, salt, black pepper, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes.

3. Mix Well: Use your hands to mix all the ingredients together until well combined. Avoid over-mixing to keep the meatballs tender.

4. Form Meatballs: Using your hands, shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. This will ensure even cooking.

5. Prepare the Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly coat it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

6. Place Meatballs: Arrange the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each for proper cooking.

7. Bake the Meatballs: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the meatballs are golden brown and cooked through.

8. Rest: Allow the meatballs to rest for about 10 minutes after baking. This step helps the juices redistribute, enhancing the flavor.

9. Serve: Optionally, heat up marinara sauce in a saucepan and gently add the meatballs to coat them before serving.

10. Enjoy: Now that your meatballs are ready, enjoy them with pasta, on a sub, or simply on their own!