GIADA DE LAURENTIIS' MEATBALLS A LA PIZZAIOLA

Giada De Laurentiis' Meatballs A La Pizzaiola image

Provided by Brandy Bender

Categories Pizza

Time 45m

Number Of Ingredients 14

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8 oz mozzarella cheese, smoked
2 large shallots, chopped
1/4 c (5 to 6) sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained
1/3 c basil leaves, fresh
1/3 c mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/4 c parmesan cheese, grated
1 Tbsp tomato paste
3/4 tsp red pepper flakes
kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
1 1/2 lb ground beef chuck (80% lean)
1 lb ground pork
olive oil, for frying
vegetable oil, for frying
marinara sauce, warmed, for serving (optional)

Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Dice the smoked mozzarella into 1/2-inch cubes. Set side.
2. In a food processor, pulse the shallots, sun-dried tomatoes, basil, shredded mozzarella, parmesan cheese, tomato paste, red pepper flakes, 1 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper until blended. Transfer the mixture to a large bowl. Add the beef and pork and, using a wooden spoon or clean hands, stir until combined. Form into 1 1/4-to-1 1/2 inch meatballs. Insert 1 cube of smoked mozzarella into the center of each meatball and form meat around it, enclosing the cheese.
3. In a large heavy-bottomed saucepan, pour equal parts olive oil and vegetable oil to fill the pan halfway. Heat over medium-high heat until deep-fry thermometer reaches 350 degrees. In batches, fry the meatballs until dark brown, 1 to 2 minutes. Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
4. Place the fried meatballs on a foil-lined baking sheet. Put in the oven and bake until cooked through, 10 to 12 minutes. Cool slightly, then serve immediately with marinara sauce, if desired.