Cheesy Meatballs In Spicy Tomato Sauce

• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 slices bacon, chopped
• 500 g beef mince
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons parsley, roughly chopped
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 125 g cheddar cheese, cut into 1cm cubes
• 2 (400 g) cans diced roma tomatoes
• 1/2 cup roughly torn basil leaves
• 1 garlic clove, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 small red fresh chili pepper, seeded and finely chopped (optional)
• salt & freshly ground black pepper, extra, to taste
• crusty bread or roll, to serve

1. Cook the onion and bacon in a large bowl on high for 3-4 minutes approx 850W. Remove from microwave, add mince, breadcrumbs, parsley, egg, salt and pepper and mix well.
2. Take 1 tablespoon of the mixture and flatten into a patty shape.
3. Place a cube of cheese in the middle of the meat, fold meat to enclose cheese and roll to form a ball.
4. Refrigerate meatballs for 10-15 minutes.
5. Place meatballs in a 3 Litre casserole dish. Cook uncovered on medium to High approx 650W for 4-6 minutes. Turn meatballs over and cook for a further 4-6 minutes.
6. Meanwhile combine the tomatoes, basil, tomato paste, chilli, garlic and salt and pepper in a bowl.
7. Drain any excess fat from meatballs after cooking and pour the tomato mixture over par cooked and drained meatballs.
8. Cook uncovered on medium high approx 650W for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
9. Serve with on their own with crusty bread or over pasta.

onion, bacon, beef, breadcrumbs, parsley, egg, salt, cheddar cheese, roma tomatoes, basil, garlic, tomato paste, chili pepper, salt, crusty bread

Taken from www.food.com/recipe/cheesy-meatballs-in-spicy-tomato-sauce-318864 (may not work)