Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs in Tomato Sauce

Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs in Tomato Sauce

**Ingredients:**

For the Meatballs:

– 1 pound ground beef
– 1/2 pound ground pork
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup milk
– 1 large egg
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 ounces mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes

For the Tomato Sauce:

– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– 1/2 teaspoon sugar
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Meatballs:**
– In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, milk, egg, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
– Take a small amount of the meat mixture and flatten it in your hand. Place a cube of mozzarella cheese in the center and shape the meat around it to form a ball. Repeat with the remaining meat mixture and cheese cubes.

2. **Cook the Meatballs:**
– Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
– Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a bit of olive oil. Brown the meatballs on all sides, working in batches if necessary. Once browned, transfer the meatballs to a baking sheet and finish cooking in the preheated oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until fully cooked.

3. **Prepare the Tomato Sauce:**
– In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and heat over medium heat.
– Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
– Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
– Stir in the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, sugar, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and let cook for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. **Combine and Serve:**
– Once the meatballs are cooked, add them to the tomato sauce and gently stir to coat them with the sauce.
– Let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for a few minutes to absorb the flavors.

5. **Garnish and Serve:**
– Transfer the meatballs and sauce to a serving dish.
– Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.

Enjoy your delicious cheese-stuffed meatballs in tomato sauce!