Tomato Braised Meatballs Stuffed with Mozzarella

Tomato Braised Meatballs Stuffed with Mozzarella

  • 3 pieces sandwich bread

  • 2 slices of bacon

  • 1 lb ground meat (beef, chicken or turkey works)

  • 2 eggs

  • 1 tsp kosher salt

  • 1 tsp dried thyme/oregano/fennel seeds

  • 4 oz mozzarella cut up into small 1” pieces

  • 1 onion, minced

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 Tbs. tomato paste

  • 1 - 28 oz can tomato puree

Preheat oven to 350°F.

In the bowl of a food processor, add the bread and bacon. Pulse until well chopped.

Add the bacon bread mixture to a large bowl with the ground meat, eggs, salt, and herbs. Mix well.

Using a small ice cream scoop scoop out even sized meatballs and carefully insert a small piece of mozzarella into each meatball making sure to seal the meatball after.

In a medium saute pan, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs and gently brown on all sides. Remove and set aside.

In the same pan add the onions and sauté for 4 to 6 minutes or until translucent. Add the garlic, herbs, and tomato paste and saute for 30 seconds. Add the pureed tomatoes and cook over medium for 1 to 2 minutes or until well combined. Carefully add the meatballs into the mixture and scoop tomato sauce on top of the meatballs.

Bake for 20 minutes and serve warm.

Makes 3 to 4 servings.

Amanda FredericksonComment