Mozzarella-Stuffed Meatballs

Mozzarella-Stuffed Meatballs

Introduction

Juicy ground turkey or beef meatballs wrapped around cubes of mozzarella cheese, baked to perfection, and simmered in a rich tomato sauce. These ooey-gooey meatballs are perfect over pasta for a hearty weeknight dinner or a comforting family meal.

Ingredients

Meatballs:

• 2 pounds ground beef or turkey
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (if using turkey)
• ½ onion, finely chopped
• 1 egg
• ½ cup Panko bread crumbs
• ½ cup fresh grated parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil (or 1 teaspoon dried basil)
• 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
• ¾ pound fresh mozzarella, cut into small cubes

Sauce:

• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 28 oz canned whole tomatoes with juice
• 28 oz canned diced tomatoes with juice
• ½ teaspoon white sugar
• 1 bay leaf
• 6 oz tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• Zest of 1 lemon (yellow part only)

Instructions