Sicilian Meatballs

Sicilian Meatballs

From the $7 a Meal Cookbook by Linda Larson the versatile recipe could be made into a dish with spaghetti, baked potatoes or a meatball subs for the family.

This recipe makes 16 meatballs; 4 per serving.

Total cost: $4.78

Ingredients:
1 tablespoon olive oil 
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 tablespoons water
½ cup dried breadcrumbs
3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
1 egg 
1 pound 80% lean ground beef

Instructions:
Pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees F.
In a small saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion; cook and stir until onion is tender, about 4 minutes.
Stir in tomato paste, reduce heat to low and cook, stirring occasionally, until the tomato paste begins to brown in spots (this adds a rich flavor to the meatballs).
When the tomato paste has begun to brown, add water to the saucepan; stir to loosen brown bits from the pan.
Then remove mixture to a large bowl.
Add the breadcrumbs, cheese, Italian seasoning, nutmeg, and egg and mix well.
Then add the ground beef, working gently with hands to combine.
Form into 16 meatballs and place them on a broiler pan.
Bake for 20-30 minutes or until meatballs are thoroughly cooked (165 degrees).
Use immediately in a recipe or cool and chill for 1 day before using.
Freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutritional info:
417 calories, 28g fat, 25g protein, 136mg cholesterol, 305mg sodium