Recipe: Three Easy Meatball Meals

THREE EASY MEATBALL MEALS

"Basic meatballs that cook in less than 15 minutes are one of the most versatile recipes around. These simple meatballs can be used to make hearty sandwiches, savory soup or a stew in 40 minutes or less."

1 lb. lean ground beef
1/2 cup soft bread crumbs* (or 1/4 cup dry bread crumbs)
1 egg
2 tablespoons finely chopped onion
1 clove garlic, crushed
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper

Heat oven to 400 degrees F.

In large bowl, combine all ingredients, mixing lightly but thoroughly. Pinch off approximately 1 1/2-inch pieces of beef mixture to make 20 meatballs; place in ungreased 15 x 10-inch jelly roll pan.

Bake 10 to 13 minutes or until no longer pink and juices run clear.

Use meatballs in one of the recipes below, proceeding as directed.

*To make soft bread crumbs, place 1 slice torn bread in food processor, fitted with steel blade, or blender container. Cover; process 30 seconds, pulsing on and off untilfine crumbs. (Makes approximately 2/3 cup)

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SPICY BEEF AND ZUCCHINI SOUP
Makes 4 servings (1 1/2 cups each)

In large saucepan, combine:
2 cups diced zucchini
1 (14 oz.) can ready-to-serve beef broth
1 cup prepared chunky salsa
1 cup water
Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer 3 to 5 minutes or until zucchini is crisp- tender.

Stir in and heat through:
meatballs
1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
Top with corn chips, if desired, immediately before serving

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ITALIAN MEATBALL SANDWICHES

Heat 1 teaspoon vegetable oil in large skillet over medium heat.:
3/4 cup thin bell pepper strips
3/4 cup thin onion wedges
Cook and stir 3 to 4 minutes or until tender.

Reduce heat to medium-low; add:
meatballs
1 (14 oz.) jar prepared spaghetti sauce.
Cover; cook 5 to 6 minutes to heat through, stirring occasionally.

Spoon equal amounts into 4 split hoagie rolls; sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese, if desired.

Makes 4 sandwiches

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EASY MEATBALL STEW

In large saucepan, combine:
1 (12 oz.) jar brown beef gravy
1 small (8 oz.) can stewed tomatoes, undrained
3/4 cup water
3/4 teaspoon dried thyme leaves and 1/8 teaspoon pepper; bring to a boil.

Stir in:
1 (16 oz.) pkg. frozen vegetable (with potato) mixture
Reduce heat; simmer 10 to 15 minutes or until vegetables are tender.

Stir in:
meatballs
Heat through. Sprinkle with chopped parsley, if desired.

Makes 4 servings

From: Recipelink.com
Source: Recipe pamphlet: Fast Family Favorites, Delicious Ground Beef Recipes, Beef Industry Council, not dated