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Baked Meatballs with Mozzarella and Arugula

Baked Meatballs with Mozzarella and Arugula

Julia Frey of Vikalinka
These baked meatballs in rich tomato and pesto sauce with mozzarella and arugula could be made in a matter of minutes, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
5 from 3 votes
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main
Cuisine Italian
Servings 6
Calories 594 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the meatballs

  • 1 lbs beef extra lean
  • 1 lbs pork extra lean
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp of each dried basil and oregano
  • ¾ cup/75g breadcrumbs
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

For the sauce

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2-3 garlic cloves minced
  • 4-5 fresh basil leaves chopped
  • 2 X 14 oz/400g cans chopped tomatoes
  • 3 tbsp basil pesto
  • salt to taste

Additional ingredients

  • 2 cups/100g arugula/rocket
  • ½ cup/125 g fresh mozzarella balls small
  • 4 cherry tomatoes halved
  • 4-5 basil leaves optional

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 400F/200C
  • In a large bowl combine beef and pork, beaten egg, basil and oregano, breadcrumbs and salt, mix well and shape into 20 meatballs. (Alternatively you can use store-bought meatballs and skip this step.)
  • (Baking method) Place meatballs on a parchment paper lined rimmed baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven at 200C/400F for 10 minutes. (The meatballs will not be baked all the way through.)
  • OR....(Frying method) Heat olive oil in a large frying pan and brown the meatballs over medium heat but don't cook all the way through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
  • To the same pan add 1 tbsp of olive oil, chopped garlic and basil and cook briefly for 1 minute, then add canned tomatoes previously processed in a blender until smooth or leave chunky for extra texture if desired.
     Then add 3 tbsp of basil pesto and salt, bring to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for approximately 5-7 minutes.
  • Return the meatballs to the pan with the sauce, add arugula and mix, then scatter mini mozzarella balls, halved cherry tomatoes and basil leaves on top.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes until the sauce is bubbly and mozzarella is melted and golden.
  • Serve with pasta or a side of your choice.

Nutrition

Calories: 594kcalCarbohydrates: 21gProtein: 32gFat: 42gSaturated Fat: 13gCholesterol: 138mgSodium: 845mgPotassium: 897mgFiber: 3gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 720IUVitamin C: 16.7mgCalcium: 155mgIron: 4.9mg
Keyword baked meatballs
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