Ingredients

The following ingredients have 16 Servings
  • 1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
  • 1 small yellow onion (finely chopped)
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for sprinkling)
  • 2 eggs (lightly beaten)
  • 3 cloves of garlic (minced)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh basil (chopped)
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon fresh black pepper
  • 8 ounces mozzarella cheese ball (cut into 1/2 inch square pieces)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 cup yellow onion (diced)
  • 2 cloves of garlic (minced)
  • 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup dark red wine ((optional))
  • 1 (28 ounce) can of crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh basil (chopped)
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

Instruction

  • 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 pasta. Enjoy!