REE DRUMMOND'S COMFORT MEATBALLS

Taken from the book Celebrity Chefs published by Hearst Books.

REE DRUMMOND'S COMFORT MEATBALLS
Total time 1 hour 30 minutes
Makes 8 servings

Meatballs:
1 1/2 lb. ground beef
3/4 cup quick oats
1 cup milk
3 tbsp. very finely minced onion
1 1/2 tsp. salt
Plenty of freshly ground black pepper
4 tbsp. canola oil
1/2 cup flour

Sauce:
1 cup ketchup
2 tbsp. sugar
3 tbsp. distilled white vinegar
2 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
4 to 6 tbsp. minced onion
Dash of Tabasco

1.  Prepare meatballs:  In a bowl, combine the ground beef and oats.  Pour in milk, then add onion and salt.  Add pepper to taste, then stir to combine.  Roll mixture into tablespoon-size balls and refrigerate 30 to 45 minutes.

2.  Heat oven to 350*F.  In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat.  Spread flour on a plate.  Dredge meatballs in flour, then brown them in batches until light brown.  As they brown, place them in a rectangular baking dish.

3.  Prepare sauce:  In a bowl, stir together all ingredients and drizzle over meatballs.

4.  Bake until bubbly and hot, about 45 minutes.

Each serving:  About 316 calories, 18 g protein, 25 g carbohydrate, 16 g total fat (5 g saturated), 1 g fiber, 56 mg cholesterol, 869 mg sodium.

"If you'd like to serve with pasta, egg noodles tossed in a little melted butter would be divine," suggests Ree Drummond.