FRIED MEATBALLS STUFFED WITH MOZZARELLA

Fried meatballs filled with warm mozzarella cheese, MMmmm. The only differences between my "usual" meatballs and these are frying them and adding cheese. May not sound like much of a change but let me tell you, you will taste the difference! My husband calls these the best meatballs he's ever had. I hope you enjoy them as much as he does! 

FRIED MEATBALLS STUFFED WITH MOZZARELLA

-1 lb ground beef

-1/2 small onion, minced

-1 tbs minced garlic

-1 1/4 cup seasoned bread crumbs

-1 beaten egg

-1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

-Salt & pepper

-Garlic powder & parsley

-3/4 cup freshly grated mozzarella cheese-do NOT buy pre shredded mozzarella-shred it yourself

-Olive oil

FOR THE PASTA

-Pasta of your choice

-2 cups GOOD pasta sauce (click the link below if you need a recipe)

http://aldentedivasrecipes.blogspot.com/2012/11/simple-tomato-sauce-1-can-29-oz-crushed.html

DIRECTIONS:

1. In a large frying pan heat 1 tbs. olive oil over MEDIUM heat. Add garlic and onion-sprinkle with a little salt and pepper. Saute until onions are translucent (about 5-7 minutes). Once they're done, remove them from the pan and set a side to cool.
2. In a medium size bowl add-ground beef, bread crumbs, parm cheese, garlic powder, parsley, salt and pepper. Also, add the mozzarella cheese, egg, garlic and onion.
3. Mix the ingredients until well combined. Roll into about 1 inch size balls.  
4. Fill the large frying pan used for the onions with 1/4 inch of olive oil. 
5. Heat the oil on MEDIUM HIGH until it is very hot-almost smoking. Very carefully add the meatballs (fry them in batches and do not over crowd the pan).  
6. Fry the meatballs over MEDIUM heat on both sides for about 3-4 minutes or until there is a nice golden brown crust. 
7. Drain them on paper towels. Serve over pasta with tomato sauce!