Mexican Taco Meatballs

This recipe is wonderful as an appetizer, served with crusty bread, or as a main dish, served in sub rolls and sprinkled with cheese, or you can add a (15 oz.) can of beans and serve as a meatball chili. It is one of my favorite recipes because it is so easy to prepare and so versatile. I often keep this hot in a crockpot to take to pot lucks and a get together with family and friends.

• Ready In: 50 mins
• Serves: 6-8

Ingredients

• 1  lb ground beef
• 1  envelope  taco bell  taco seasoning mix (or taco seasoning mix of your choice)
• 1  egg, beaten
• 1⁄2 cup  plain  fresh breadcrumb
• 1⁄4 cup parmesan cheese
• 2  tablespoons  peanut oil
•  salt and pepper
• 1 (16 ounce) jar salsa, mild or hot
• 1 (14 1/2ounce) can tomato sauce
•  extra parmesan cheese, as a garnish (optional)

Directions

1. Combine ground beef, 1/2 of the taco seasoning package, 1/2 cup salsa, bread crumbs, cheese, egg and salt/pepper to taste.
2. Shape mixture into 1 1/2 inch balls and brown in large skillet in the peanut oil.
3. Drain meatballs on paper towels.
4. In a 2 quart sauce pan, add the tomato sauce, remaining salsa, taco seasoning and meatballs.
5. Simmer for 30 minutes.