Cheesy stuffed meatballs

 

Ingredients

For the meatballs:

• 1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef or Ground turkey 
• 1 small yellow onion finely chopped
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs- Gluten free (optional)
• 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese plus extra for presentation 
• 2 eggs beaten
• 3 cloves of garlic minced
• 2 tablespoons parsley flakes 
• 2 tablespoons basil 
• 1/2 teaspoon seasoning salt
• 1 teaspoon  black pepper
• 8 ounces mozzarella cheese ball cut into 1/2 inch square pieces or use shredded 

For the sauce:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 cup yellow onion diced
• 2 cloves of garlic minced
• 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1 (28 ounce) can of crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons  parsley flakes 
• 2 tablespoons  basil 
• 1/2 teaspoon seasoning salt

Instructions

• To prepare the meatballs, preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Lightly grease 2 baking sheets with cooking spray or oil.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, onion, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, eggs, garlic, parsley, basil, salt and pepper. Mix with a fork until combined. 
  
• Using a spoon or scoop, roll meat into balls, about 2 tablespoons each. Using your thumb, press into the center to create an indent, place a piece of cheese in the center of the dough ball and then re-roll ball to cover the cheese. Don’t be afraid to use a little extra meat mixture if you need to cover the cheese. Repeat with remaining meat and arrange on baking sheet.
  
• Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until meatballs are cooked through.
• While the meatballs are baking, prepare sauce. Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and garlic. Sauté for 2 minutes. 
  
• Whisk in the cornstarch and optional wine, if desired. Let simmer for 2 additional minutes. 
  
• Add crushed tomatoes, parsley, basil and salt. Stir to combine. Bring the sauce to a boil. Cover, reduce heat to low and let simmer for 15 minutes. 
  
• Once baked meatballs are done, carefully add them to the sauce. On low heat, simmer uncovered for an additional 10 minutes. Serve as an appetizer or with vegetables 🥦like I did because I’m on this low carb kick right now and Enjoy!