Fried Meatballs

Makes about 40 meatballs MEATBALLS

• Cooking spray
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 4 eggs, divided
• 1⁄4 cup milk
• 3⁄4 cup shredded Parmesan
• 1 cup Italian-style bread crumbs, divided
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 tablespoon water
• 2 cups vegetable or other frying oil

RED PEPPER SAUCE

• 1 jar (7.25 ounces) roasted red peppers, drained
• 1⁄2 cup Catalina salad dressing
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1. Preheat oven to 425°F. Lightly coat a heavy-duty baking sheet with cooking spray. 2. For meatballs: In a large bowl, combine beef, 3 eggs, milk, Parmesan, 3⁄4 cup bread crumbs, and Italian seasoning. Using a wooden spoon or clean hands, mix thoroughly and shape mixture into 1-inch meatballs. 3. In a small bowl, lightly beat remaining 1 egg with 1 tablespoon water to make egg wash. In another small bowl, add remaining 1⁄4 cup bread crumbs. Dip meatballs in egg mixture, then roll in bread crumbs. 4. In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, heat oil over high heat. Working in batches, use a slotted spoon to carefully add meatballs to frying oil. Fry until golden brown. Transfer fried meatballs to baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes. 5. For red pepper sauce: In a blender, puree all ingredients until smooth.