Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs . . .

Serves: 4-6

Ingredients:

1 pound ground beef

1 cup bread crumbs (panko or regular, Italian seasoned or plain)

1 egg + 1 egg yolk

1 teaspoon minced garlic (or 2 teaspoons garlic powder)

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

3-4 mozzarella cheese sticks (string cheese)

marinara or alfredo sauce, for dipping

Instructions:

Chop each cheese stick into half inch pieces (about 6-8 pieces for each cheese stick). Place on a plate and chill in the freezer until ready to use.

Add ground beef, bread crumbs, egg and egg yolk, garlic, onion powder, Italian seasoning and salt and pepper to a bowl. Mush the ingredients together with your hands until everything comes together.

Remove cheese from freezer. Scoop out about 4 tablespoons of meat mixture and roll into a ball. Gently push a piece of chilled mozzarella into the middle of the meatball. Roll the ball in your hands to cover the hole where the mozzarella cheese was pushed in.

When all meatballs are formed place 1 inch apart on a greased baking sheet and bake at 400 for 15-20 minutes until browned and cheese is melty.

If desired, sprinkle with a bit of fresh chopped parsley or dried Italian seasoning for garnish and serve with your favorite marinara or alfredo sauce for dipping. Enjoy!