In the US people commonly associate Italian meatballs with spaghetti sauce, something that I have heard both Americans and Italians say is an exclusively Italian-American thing -- not true, because I have had spaghetti with meatballs in south Italy. However, meatballs of any kind in Italy are family fare, of the sort one makes from leftovers and wouldn't dream of serving to company, unless they are old family friends. Of the kind who can appreciate comfort foods, and these meatballs with tomato sauce certainly are.

See Also

Extremely Simple Meatballs

Meatballs with Fresh Peas

Artusi's Tomatoey Tripe Meatballs