Minced meatballs are a versatile and delicious dish that can be enjoyed in various forms. One way to elevate their flavor is by incorporating cheese into the mixture, creating a delightful surprise with every bite.
Paired with a tangy tomato gravy and served on a bed of fluffy white rice, this cheese-infused minced meatball recipe is sure to impress your taste buds and leave you craving for more.
Ingredients:
For the meatballs:.
- 500 grams of minced beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup finely chopped parsley
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the tomato gravy:.
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 can (400 grams) crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
For serving:.
- White rice
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparation
1. In a mixing bowl, combine the minced beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, parsley, egg, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
2. Wet your hands with water to prevent sticking, then shape the mixture into small meatballs, approximately one inch in diameter. Repeat until all the mixture is used. Set aside.
Step 2: Cooking the Meatballs
1. Heat some oil in a large frying pan over medium heat.
2. Add the meatballs to the pan, ensuring there is enough space between them to cook evenly. You may need to cook them in batches.
3. Cook the meatballs, turning occasionally, until they are browned on all sides. This should take about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, remove the meatballs from the pan and set aside on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Step 3: Preparing the Tomato Gravy
1. Using the same pan used to cook the meatballs, add a little more oil if necessary and heat it over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onions to the pan and cook until they become translucent, stirring occasionally.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, ensuring it doesn’t burn.
4. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and mix well with the onions and garlic.
5. Stir in the tomato paste, dried basil, dried oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper. Reduce the heat to low and let the gravy simmer for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step 4: Serving
1. Cook the white rice according to the package instructions.
2. Once the rice is ready, fluff it with a fork and spoon it onto serving plates or bowls.
3. Place a generous amount of the cheese-infused minced meatballs onto the rice.
4. Ladle the tomato gravy over the meatballs, ensuring they are well covered.
5. Garnish with fresh parsley leaves or grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
6. Serve the cheese-infused minced meatballs in tomato gravy on white rice while still warm and enjoy every flavorful forkful.