Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs (In Sauce)

Step 1: Preheat oven to 400 degrees (F). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper; set aside.

Step 2: Heat 4 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Allow the oil to simmer (you want it very hot) while you prepare the meatballs.

Step 3: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, half of the minced garlic, egg, Parmesan cheese, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper, and bread crumbs. Slowly add the water, a few tablespoons at a time. The mixture should be very moist but still hold its shape when rolled into meatballs.

Step 4: Scoop one heaping tablespoonful beef mixture into a small ball. Press a piece of cheese in the center, then cover it with another piece of meat, roll to seal tightly and completely in the cheese. Repeat with all meat/cheese.

Step 5: Fry meatballs in batches in the hot oil, 2 minutes on each side.

Step 6: Place semi-cooked meatballs on prepared baking sheet. Once all meatballs have been panfried, place the baking sheet in the oven to bake for 10-12 minutes, or until they’re cooked though.

Step 7: While the meatballs bake, heat the pasta sauce in a pot.

Step 8: When meatballs are done cooking, add them to the sauce, and continue cooking on a light simmer for another 10 minutes stirring to coat in sauce. Enjoy!