Stuffed Mozzarella Meatloaf Balls

Stuffed Mozzarella Meatloaf Balls

Meatloaf Mixture Ingredients:

2 lbs ground Beef

1 cup seasoned bread crumbs (gluten free, optional)

3/4 cups milk

2 eggs

1/4 cup ricotta cheese

1/3 cup sweet onion, diced

1/4 cup red bell pepper, diced

1/4 cup grated cheese, parmesan or romano

2 TBS parsley, dry

2 TBS basil, dry

1/8 tsp salt

1/8 tsp pepper

2 cloves garlic, chopped

8 (1 ozs) mozzarella balls

Sauce Mixture Ingredients:

1 cup tomato sauce

1/2 cup ketchup

2 TBS brown sugar

Directions:

1.  In large mixing bowl add beef, bread crumbs, milk, eggs, ricotta cheese, onion, peppers, grated cheese, parsley, basil, salt, pepper and garlic.  Mix well.  

2.  Flatten mixture and mold into bowl.  Divide mixture into quarters.  Divide each quarter in half, making 8 sections.  Roll each ball.  

3.  Press down into center of ball with thumb.  Place a piece of mozzarella in center cavity and cover over with mixture to enclose mozzarella cheese.  Place balls in sprayed baking pan.

4.    In medium size bowl add tomato sauce, ketchup and brown sugar.  Mix well.  Pour over top of Meatloaf balls.

5.  Bake in oven at 350 degrees for approx. 40-45 mins.  Let rest for 10 mins before serving to allow juices to re-absorb back into meat.  Garnish with parsley