Cheesy Meatballs In Spicy Tomato Sauce - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 onion, chopped
2 slices bacon, chopped
500 g beef mince
1/4 cup breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons parsley, roughly chopped
1 egg, lightly beaten
salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
125 g cheddar cheese, cut into 1cm cubes
2 (400 g) cans diced roma tomatoes
1/2 cup roughly torn basil leaves
1 garlic clove, finely chopped
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 small red fresh chili pepper, seeded and finely chopped (optional)
salt & freshly ground black pepper, extra, to taste
crusty bread or roll, to serve

Preparation

Cook the onion and bacon in a large bowl on high for 3-4 minutes approx 850W. Remove from microwave, add mince, breadcrumbs, parsley, egg, salt and pepper and mix well.
Take 1 tablespoon of the mixture and flatten into a patty shape.
Place a cube of cheese in the middle of the meat, fold meat to enclose cheese and roll to form a ball.
Refrigerate meatballs for 10-15 minutes.
Place meatballs in a 3 Litre casserole dish. Cook uncovered on medium to High approx 650W for 4-6 minutes. Turn meatballs over and cook for a further 4-6 minutes.
Meanwhile combine the tomatoes, basil, tomato paste, chilli, garlic and salt and pepper in a bowl.
Drain any excess fat from meatballs after cooking and pour the tomato mixture over par cooked and drained meatballs.
Cook uncovered on medium high approx 650W for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Serve with on their own with crusty bread or over pasta.