Baked Meatballs in Tomato Herb Sauce

Yield:
8 servings

Preparation Time:
15 min; Cook: 20 min

Ingredients:

  1. 1 can (6 ounce) tomato paste, divided
  2. 1 egg
  3. 2 teaspoons dried basil, divided
  4. 2 teaspoons dried oregano, divided
  5. 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  6. 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  7. 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  8. 1 1/2 cups fresh bread crumbs (about 3 slices firm white bread, crust removed)
  9. 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  10. 1/2 cup golden raisins, coarsely chopped (optional)
  11. 1 1/4 pounds lean ground beef OR ground turkey, 93% lean
  12. 2 cans (14.5 ounce each) diced tomatoes, undrained
  13. 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
  14. 1/2 teaspoon salt
  15. cooked pasta
Directions:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F

Line a baking sheet with foil; coat with cooking spray.

Combine 1/2 can tomato paste, egg, 1 tsp. each basil and oregano, onion powder, garlic powder and pepper in a large bowl. Stir in bread crumbs, Parmesan and raisins.

Mix in ground beef with hands or a large spoon until mixture is combined well. Shape into 16 meatballs, about 1 1/2-inches in diameter. Bake 20 minutes or until browned and cooked through (165 degrees F internal temperature).

Meanwhile, stir together remaining tomato paste, diced tomatoes, 1 tsp. each oregano and basil, sugar and salt in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, 10 minutes. Add baked meatballs to sauce and simmer 5 minutes for flavors to blend. Serve meatballs and sauce over pasta with Parmesan cheese, if desired.


TDS 3