Meat Balls with Sauce Verte

Description
Makes 4 servings.

Ingredients

 * 1 pound lean ground beef
 * 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
 * 1/2 cup soft breadcrumbs
 * 3/4 teaspoon salt, divided
 * 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
 * 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
 * 1 3-ounce package cream cheese, softened
 * 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
 * 1/4 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
Combine meat, onion, breadcrumbs, 1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper in mixing bowl; mix thoroughly. Form into 8 balls, 1-1/2 inches in diameter. Brown balls on all sides in large skillet in oil; pour off fat. Combine cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, parsley, basil, garlic, broth, cornstarch and rice; blend until smooth. Pour over meat balls, cover, and simmer 15 minutes. Stir 2 tablespoons water into cornstarch. Pour into sauce; cook, stirring constantly, about 2 minutes or until thickened. Serve over beds of fluffy rice.