Ingredients

12 oz lean ground beef

1 32 oz can crushed tomatoes

1 tbsp olive oil

1/2 lb smoked mozzarella, cut into 1/2 inch cubes

1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley, plus more for garnish

1 slice whole wheat bread, torn into tiny pieces and soaked in milk

2 eggs

1 onion, chopped

4 garlic cloves, minced

salt & pepper

Preparation

Mix the beef with the bread, eggs, 1/2 cup parlsey, half the onion and garlic, and a generous sprinkling of salt and pepper. Without overworking the meat, form meatballs - any size is fine.

Hold each meatball in the palm of one hand and use the thumb of the other hand to make an indentation in the meatball. Drop in a cheese cube, and then carefully fold the meat back over to cover.

Heat the oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat and sear each meatball until brown all over. Remove to a plat. Pour off all but a little fat and add the remaining onion and garlic: saute until light brown. Return the meatballs to the pan, add the tomatoes, and cook over low heat for 20 minutes to 1 hour.

Season the sauce with salt & pepper. Garnish with parsley.