Istrian Market Inspired Saucy Meatball Vegetable Skillet

Ingredients

• 12 ounces ground beef
• 1 egg
• 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 can crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup eggplant, chopped
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/4 cup mint, chopped
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Steps

1. Mix the ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, ground cinnamon, salt, and black pepper. Roll the beef mixture into meatballs.
2. Heat the olive oil in a skillet. Brown the meatballs, then transfer the meatballs to a plate.
3. Cook the onion, garlic, and eggplant in the skillet until tender.
4. Stir in the crushed tomatoes and lemon juice. Return the meatballs to the tomato sauce and simmer until the meatballs are cooked through.
5. Finish the meatball skillet with mint, then serve hot.

Allergen note: Contains gluten and egg.

Use the listed quantities as a guide, adjust seasoning to taste, and cook proteins to a safe internal temperature.