Go Meatballs!

Do you crave meat after Meatless Monday? Maybe I shouldn't say that, or admit that I do, but, Tuesday nights just seem better with meat, whether it's a juicy steak, chop, roast, or meatball! As silly as this sounds, today I was inspired by a pound of ground beef. The package was clearly reaching out to me, pleading, "Bring me home for dinner tonight". I stood there thinking (perhaps responding), "What should I make?" Salisbury Steak? Burgers? Bolognese Sauce? Meatballs? YES! Meatballs! I grabbed the package of meat and headed home (don't worry, we didn't chat in the car).

I plan to serve these babies over angel hair pasta or rice... to soak up the delicious sauce.

Hearty Meatballs with Primavera Sauce

1 pound lean ground beef (preferably 93% lean)
1/4 cup dry bread crumbs, plain or seasoned
1 large egg
1/4 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup chopped white onion
2 cloves garlic, minced 
28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
1 tablespoon sundried tomato paste
1/2 cup shredded carrots

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
In a large bowl, combine the beef, bread crumbs, egg, parsley, ketchup, mustard, oregano, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well and shape the mixture into meatballs (8-9 large meatballs or 15-16 small meatballs). 
Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs and cook until lightly browned on all sides. Transfer the meatballs to a shallow baking pan, reserving the fat in the skillet.
Return the skillet to the stove over medium-high heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook for 2-3 minutes, until soft. Add the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste and bring to a simmer. Simmer 5 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat and stir in the carrots. Spoon the sauce over and around the meatballs in the pan.
Bake for 15-20 minutes, until the meatballs are cooked through (smaller meatballs will cook faster). Serve with pasta, rice or bread to soak up the sauce!

Serves 4





Apolonia