Cocktail Meatballs in Tomato Sauce

Makes about 40

Cindy sent us a recipe for sweet and sour meatballs made with frozen meatballs, grape jelly and ketchup. "This is a recipe that was given to me by a very busy mother with five kids. She makes these meatballs for a Boston Marathon party every year and they are devoured as soon as they hit the buffet table. My children begged for me to make them but I can't do it. I think having them once a year is plenty. Can you change the recipe for me?" Our cocktail meatballs are cooked in a simple, flavorful sauce of canned tomatoes and dried herbs, no browning of the meat required. Make a batch of these on the weekend and enjoy during the week when a quick meal is needed. We think your kids will approve.

Ingredients

1 pound extra lean ground beef
1/3 cup dried bread crumbs
1/4 cup finely chopped green onions
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
Pepper to taste
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes with basil
2 (15-ounce) cans tomato sauce
1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
1 tablespoon dried basil
1 to 2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Method

Mix beef, bread crumbs, green onions, egg, parsley, salt, Worcestershire sauce and pepper together in a large bowl. Shape beef mixture into 1-inch balls with dampened hands and transfer to a baking sheet; set aside.

Heat oil in a large Dutch oven or skillet over medium heat. Add onions and cook for 3 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more, stirring frequently. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, pepper, basil, oregano, vinegar and cheese; bring just to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes. Add meatballs and continue to simmer, stirring occasionally, for 30 minutes, or until meatballs are cooked through. Serve with toothpicks on the side, if you like.

Nutrition

Per serving (4 meatballs): 170 calories (50 from fat), 6g total fat, 1.5g saturated fat, 45mg cholesterol, 880mg sodium, 17g total carbohydrate (3g dietary fiber, 10g sugar), 15g protein

http://wholefoodsmarket.com/recipes/965