Cheesy Beef And Lentil Meatballs Recipe

Cooking Directions

• STEP 1.In a large bowl, combine ground beef, cooked lentils, breadcrumbs, grated cheese, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper.
• STEP 2.Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly combined.
• STEP 3.Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
• STEP 4.Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
• STEP 5.Add the meatballs to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides, about 8-10 minutes.
• STEP 6.Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside.
• STEP 7.In the same skillet, add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and Italian seasoning.
• STEP 8.Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes.
• STEP 9.Return the meatballs to the skillet and simmer for an additional 5 minutes, until the meatballs are cooked through.
• STEP 10.Serve the meatballs with pasta or as an appetizer.
• STEP 11.Garnish with grated cheese and chopped parsley, if desired.

Cooking Tips

• Make sure to cook the lentils before adding them to the meatball mixture.
• You can use any type of cheese you prefer, such as mozzarella, cheddar, or Parmesan.
• If the meatball mixture is too wet, add more breadcrumbs to bind it together.
• For a healthier option, you can bake the meatballs in the oven instead of frying them in a skillet.
• These meatballs can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Just thaw them in the refrigerator before reheating.

Storage and Serving

• Store the cooked meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• To reheat, place the meatballs in a baking dish and heat in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes, or microwave them on high for 1-2 minutes.
• Serve the meatballs with your favorite pasta and sauce, or as an appetizer with toothpicks for dipping.
• Garnish with grated cheese and chopped parsley for added flavor and presentation.