METHOD
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make the meatballs
Place an oven-safe Tefal Ingenio pan with a removable handle (or a different oven-proofed pan) over medium heat. Add olive oil, diced onion, minced garlic, and chopped parsley. Cook for 5 minutes over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add cubed bread to a small bowl and cover with warm milk. Set aside for 5 minutes.
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meatballs with cheese
Add the ground meat to a large bowl. Add soaked bread, egg, pan-fried onion, garlic, and parsley. Season with salt, pepper, and oregano. Stir into an even mixture. Scoop some of the meat mixture. Add a cube of cheese and shape it into a meatball, ensuring the cheese is well closed. Place a rack in the middle of the oven and preheat it to 210 °C / 410 °F.
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bake the meatballs
Add oil to a pan and place over medium heat. Pan-fry the meatballs for 2 - 3 minutes until they brown and smell delicious. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 15 - 18 minutes at 210 °C / 410 °F or until they are beautifully brown. While the meatballs are baking, prepare the tomato sauce.
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tomato sauce
Transfer the meatballs from the pan to a plate. Then, place the same pan over medium heat. Add diced onion and thinly sliced garlic, and saute for 2 - 3 minutes. Add sugar and basil, stir to combine, and cook for the sugar to melt. Add the tomato passata to a pan and water and cook for 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add the meatballs and cook for 15 minutes. Sprinkle with grated cheese, cover with a lid, and wait for the cheese to melt for approximately 2 - 3 minutes.
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serve
Divide the Oven-Baked Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs between four plates and serve with spaghetti or mashed potatoes. Sprinkle with fresh basil, then serve.