Contadina® Baked Meatballs in Tomato Herb Sauce
Description
Served on hot cooked pasta with Parmesan cheese, homemade baked meatballs in a rich tomato sauce make a delicious family-favorite dinner.
Ingredients
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1 (6 ounce) can CONTADINA® Tomato Paste, divided
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1 egg
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2 teaspoons dried basil, divided
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2 teaspoons dried oregano, divided
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1/2 teaspoon onion powder
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/2 teaspoon pepper
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1 1/2 cups fresh bread crumbs*
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1/2 cup golden raisins, coarsely chopped
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1 1/4 pounds lean ground beef or ground turkey, 93% lean (not turkey breast)
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2 (14 1/2 ounce) cans CONTADINA® Diced Tomatoes, undrained
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1 teaspoon sugar
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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Cooked pasta
Directions
1
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with foil; coat with cooking spray.
2
Combine 1/2 can tomato paste, egg, 1 tsp. each basil and oregano, onion powder, garlic powder and pepper in a large bowl. Stir in bread crumbs, Parmesan and raisins.
3
Mix in turkey with hands or a large spoon until mixture is combined well. Shape into 16 meatballs, about 1 1/2-inches in diameter. Bake 20 minutes or until browned and cooked through (165 degrees F internal temperature).
4
Meanwhile, stir together remaining tomato paste, diced tomatoes, 1 tsp. each oregano and basil, sugar and salt in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, 10 minutes. Add baked meatballs to sauce and simmer 5 minutes for flavors to blend. Serve meatballs and sauce over pasta with Parmesan cheese, if desired.