Name: Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs in Homemade Tomato Sauce
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 65 min
Total time: 90 min
Yield: 24 meatballs
Ingredients: 2 pounds ground beef (or turkey); 1 tablespoon olive oil ((if using turkey)); 1/2 onion (finely chopped); 1 egg; 1/2 cup Panko bread crumbs; 1/2 cup fresh grated parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley; 2 tablespoons fresh basil ((or 1 teaspoon dried basil)); 2 teaspoons fresh ground black pepper; 3/4 pound fresh mozzarella (cut into small cubes); 1 onion (chopped); 4 cloves garlic (minced); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 28 oz canned whole tomatoes with juice; 28 oz canned diced tomatoes with juice; 1/2 teaspoon white sugar; 1 bay leaf; 6 oz tomato paste; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 lemon ((for zest only))