Chili Beef Meatballs

These flavorful chili seasoned meatballs
are great with hot cooked rice or potatoes.
Use diced tomatoes with chili seasonings,
or add another teaspoon of chili powder and a
little cumin and oregano to plain diced tomatoes.

Ingredients:
Meatballs:
1 pound lean ground beef
1/2 pound ground pork, or more ground beef
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh cilantro
1/2 cup finely chopped bell pepper, red or green
1/4 cup ketchup
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 large egg, slightly beaten
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon dried leaf oregano
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
3/4 to 1 cup fine dry bread crumbs

Sauce:
2 cans (14.5 ounces each) zesty chili style diced tomatoes
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce

Directions:
Line a shallow baking pan with foil.
Heat oven to 425 degrees F.
Combine the meatball ingredients,
adding enough bread crumbs to make a firm mixture.
Shape into 1 to 1-1/2 inch meatballs
and arrange in one layer in the prepared pan.
Bake for about 15 minutes.
Remove and turn the meatballs;
return to the oven and bake for 15 minutes longer.
Meanwhile, combine the sauce ingredients in a large saucepan.
With a slotted spoon or tongs, add the meatballs to the sauce.
Cover and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes.
•Serve with hot cooked rice,
with freshly baked cornbread
and cooked beans on the side, if desired.