Cheesy Baked Meatballs

Serving: 6-8 Preparation Time: 45 minutes

INGREDIENTS For the meatballs:

• 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 egg
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 small onion, finely minced
• 1-2 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the sauce:

• 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 clove garlic, smashed
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Salt and pepper, to taste

PREPARATION

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Set aside.
2. In a small bowl, combine milk and breadcrumbs and set aside to soak.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together the egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, parsley, and oregano. Add the ground beef to the egg mixture and thoroughly mix with hands.
4. Add minced onions, garlic, and soaked breadcrumbs to the meat mixture, mixing thoroughly with hands.
5. Shape the meat mixture into 1-inch balls and place them in the prepared baking dish. Bake for 10 minutes, then turn the meatballs over and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
6. While the meatballs are baking, prepare the sauce:
7. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the smashed garlic and cook until fragrant.
8. Whisk in the flour and cook for one minute, then gradually add the chicken broth, stirring constantly.
9. Add nutmeg, salt, and pepper, and bring the mixture to a boil. Let it boil for 2-3 minutes.
10. Reduce the heat to medium-low, stir in the heavy whipping cream and parmesan cheese, and let it cook for another 2-3 minutes. Remove the smashed garlic.
11. Pour the sauce over the meatballs in the baking dish. If necessary, drain any excess fat from the baking dish.
12. Top the meatballs with grated mozzarella cheese and return to the oven until the cheese is golden brown and bubbling, about 10-15 minutes.
13. Let the meatballs cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!