Description
Tender meatballs stuffed with melted mozzarella and simmered in a rich tomato sauce, perfect for a hearty and comforting meal.
Ingredients
Meatballs:
- 2 pounds lean ground beef or turkey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (if using turkey)
- ½ onion, finely chopped
- 1 egg
- ½ cup Panko bread crumbs
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tbsp dried)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil (or 1 tsp dried)
- 2 teaspoons black pepper
- 12 ounces fresh mozzarella, cut into 24 cubes
Sauce:
- 1 onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 (28 oz) can whole tomatoes with juices
- 1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes with juices
- ½ teaspoon sugar
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Zest of 1 lemon
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix ground meat, onion, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, herbs, and pepper.
- Form small patties, place mozzarella cube in center, and shape into balls.
- Brown meatballs in a skillet over medium heat for 5–7 minutes.
- In a pot, sauté onion in olive oil until soft, then add garlic.
- Stir in tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, bay leaf, herbs, pepper, and lemon zest; simmer 10–15 minutes.
- Add meatballs to sauce and simmer 20–25 minutes until cooked through.
- Serve hot over pasta or with bread.
Notes
- Seal meat well around cheese to prevent leaks.
- Use fresh mozzarella for best melting texture.
- Add pasta water to sauce if needed for consistency.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes