Mediterranean-Stuffed Meatballs

• servings: 4 servings
• active time: 30 minutes
• total time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Ingredients

1 (3-oz.) block feta

2 shallots, finely chopped (about 1/2 c.)

1 large egg, lightly beaten

1 clove garlic, finely chopped

1/2 c. panko bread crumbs

2 tbsp. finely chopped fresh dill

1 tbsp. finely chopped fresh parsley

3/4 tsp. kosher salt

1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

1 lb. ground beef

2 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil

2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil

2 cloves garlic, finely chopped

2 (4"-long) strips lemon zest

1/4 tsp. dried oregano

1/8 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes

1 (28-oz.) can chopped tomatoes

Kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

Crumbled feta, chopped fresh dill, and rice or warm pita, for serving

Directions

Meatballs

Place a rack in center of oven; preheat to 400°. Cut feta into 1/2" cubes.

In a large bowl, mix shallots, egg, garlic, panko, dill, parsley, salt, and black pepper. Add beef, then mix with your hands to combine.

Scoop about 2 tablespoons beef mixture into a small ball. Press 1 cube feta in the center, then tightly seal meat around cheese. Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat with remaining beef mixture and cheese. Drizzle meatballs with oil, then gently toss to coat.

Bake meatballs until browned and cooked through, about 20 minutes.

Tomato Sauce & Assembly

In a medium pot over medium heat, heat oil. Add garlic, lemon zest, oregano, and red pepper. Cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add tomatoes and their juices, then partially cover pot. Bring to a simmer over low heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until sauce is slightly thickened, about 10 minutes; season with salt and black pepper.

Transfer meatballs to sauce. Reduce heat to low, then partially cover. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until meatballs are warmed through, 5 to 7 minutes.

Discard lemon zest. Top with feta and dill. Serve with rice alongside.

Nutrition

• Calories: 546
• Total Fat: 40 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 154 mg
• Sodium: 924 mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 13 g
• Dietary Fiber: 5 g
• Total Sugars: 7 g
• Protein: 29 g