Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs in Smoky Tomato Sauce

  • 8
  • 30 mins
  • 60 mins

Ingredients

  • MEATBALLS:
  • 2 pounds ground beef
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 5 ounces smoked Idiazábal cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • SAUCE:
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon anchovy paste
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup dry red wine
  • 1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes

Preparation

Step 1

MEATBALLS: Combine beef, garlic, parsley, breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, milk, smoked paprika, and salt in a bowl. Using your hands, gently mix all ingredients to incorporate. Shape mixture into 2 tablespoon–size balls. Poke a hole in each ball and insert 1 cheese cube. Re-form meatballs to seal in cheese. Refrigerate meatballs for 30 minutes.
Warm olive oil in a large, wide skillet over medium-high heat. Sear meatballs, in batches if necessary, until browned on all sides, about 10 minutes total (they will not be cooked through). Transfer meatballs to a platter and set aside; do not wipe out skillet.

SAUCE: Add olive oil to same pan used for the meatballs. Once oil is warm, add onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add paprika, anchovy paste, and sugar, stirring to combine. Cook for 1 minute, then add wine, stirring quickly to scrape up browned bits from bottom of pan. Add tomatoes and bring mixture to a boil.
Add meatballs to sauce and reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer until meatballs are cooked through, about 30 minutes. Serve immediately.