Meat Balls with Sauce Verte

Description

 * Makes 4 servings

Ingredients

 * 1 pound lean ground beef
 * ½ cup finely chopped onion
 * ½ cup soft breadcrumbs
 * ¾ teaspoon salt, divided
 * ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
 * 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
 * 1 x 3-ounce package cream cheese, softened
 * ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
 * ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
 * 1 tablespoon basil leaves
 * 1 clove garlic, minced
 * 1 cup hot beef broth
 * 1 teaspoon cornstarch
 * 2 cups hot cooked rice

Directions

 * 1) Combine meat, onion, breadcrumbs, ½ teaspoon salt and pepper in mixing bowl; mix thoroughly.
 * 2) Form into 8 balls, 1½ inches in diameter.
 * 3) Brown balls on all sides in large skillet in oil; pour off fat.
 * 4) Combine cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, parsley, basil, garlic, broth, cornstarch and rice; blend until smooth.
 * 5) Pour over meat balls, cover, and simmer 15 minutes.
 * 6) Stir 2 tablespoons water into cornstarch.
 * 7) Pour into sauce; cook, stirring constantly, about 2 minutes or until thickened.
 * 8) Serve over beds of fluffy rice.