Mozzarella Turkey Meatballs W/Mushroom Onion Merlot Tomato Sauce

Delicious easy-to-make, sure-to-please meatball recipe that I whipped up spur of the moment. This is so good, that if I weren't already married, I would soooooo marry me! The seasonings may be adjusted to suit personal taste.

• Ready In: 1 hr
• Serves: 8
• Yields: 25 fist-sized meatballs

Ingredients

• 1  egg
• 3⁄4 cup  whole wheat bread crumbs
• 1⁄4 cup  onion flakes
• 1  tablespoon  italian seasoning
• 1  tablespoon seasoning salt
• 1  tablespoon  garlic sea salt
• 2  teaspoons  chili pepper flakes
•  kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper
• 2  lbs ground turkey
• 8  ounces mozzarella cheese
• 1  tablespoon basil olive oil
• 2  tablespoons  herbed butter
• 1  large yellow onion
• 8  ounces mushrooms
• 2  garlic cloves
• 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
• 1 (28 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1  cup  merlot
•  kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper

Directions

1. Combine first 8 the ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Then add the ground turkey last.
2. Mix just enough to combine. Let rest for 15 – 30 minutes.
3. Make meatballs about the size of your fist and insert cube of mozzarella cheese in each. Pinch closed and roll between palms.
4. Put on baking sheet.
5. Bake at 400° for 20 minutes.
6. While meatballs are baking make sauce.
7. Add chopped onions and chopped mushrooms to olive oil and herbed butter melted in large dutch oven over high heat. (Pan should be large and deep enough to accommodate sauce plus 25 fist-sized meatballs.).
8. Add garlic and cook until onions and mushrooms are soft.
9. Add tomato paste, tomato sauce and merlot wine.
10. Salt and pepper to taste. Cover and simmer over medium heat.
11. After draining fat, add meatballs and any mozzarella cheese that spilled out into the baking sheet to the tomato sauce.
12. Cover and let cook over low heat for 30 minutes.
13. Serve over pasta and enjoy!