Meteor Meatball Mirage Recipe

Description:

A vibrant and hearty dish, the Meteor Meatball Mirage presents a stunning visual feast. A rich, deep red sauce, speckled with flecks of green bell pepper and punctuated by plump, browned meatballs, fills a rustic oven-safe skillet. The meatballs themselves are perfectly browned, exhibiting a pleasing textural contrast to the smooth, simmered sauce. Garnished with vibrant green basil leaves, the dish evokes the image of a celestial scene, hence its name. The aroma is intoxicating, blending the savory notes of beef with the sweetness of the tomatoes and a subtle hint of spice. The overall effect is one of rustic warmth and comforting deliciousness.

Ingredients:

• - 1 lb ground beef
• - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• - 1 egg, lightly beaten
• - 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• - 2 cloves garlic, minced
• - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• - 1/2 teaspoon salt
• - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• - 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• - 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• - 1/2 cup chopped onion
• - 1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper
• - 1 tablespoon olive oil
• - 1 teaspoon sugar
• - 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• - Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions:

1. 1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Gently mix until just combined; do not overmix.
2. 2. Roll the meat mixture into 1-inch meatballs. There should be approximately 24 meatballs.
3. 3. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides, about 5-7 minutes total. Remove meatballs from the skillet and set aside.
4. 4. Add chopped onion and green bell pepper to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
5. 5. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, sugar, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a simmer.
6. 6. Return the meatballs to the skillet, ensuring they are mostly submerged in the sauce.
7. 7. Cover the skillet and transfer to the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
8. 8. Remove from oven and garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.