Traditional Meatballs... but Stuffed with Cheese!

These stuffed meatballs are pure joy! Because you can never have too much cheese.

INGREDIENTS

• 4 sticks of mozzarella cheese (string cheese)
• 1/2 lb beef, ground
• 1/2 lb pork, ground
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped and divided
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup parmesan
• Salt and black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 jar (15 oz) marinara sauce

PREPARATION

1. Cut the cheese into 1 cm cubes. Set aside.
2. In a bowl, mix the beef, pork, breadcrumbs, egg, 2 tablespoons parsley, garlic cloves, and parmesan.
3. Generously salt and pepper and mix with your hands.
4. Roll the meat into balls of about 2 tablespoons and press a cube of mozzarella in the center, sealing well around the cheese.
5. Repeat with the remaining meat mixture and cheese.
6. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
7. Add the meatballs and cook on all sides. When the meatballs have a nice grilled crust, remove them from the pan.
8. Wipe the pan and return it to medium heat. Pour the marinara sauce, then return the meatballs.
9. Cover and simmer the meatballs for another 10 minutes, or until well cooked.
10. Garnish with the remaining parsley and sprinkle a bit of parmesan on top when serving.

[pub]