Juicy Meatballs in Tomato Sauce with Rice

Preparation

• 1
  Preheat the oven to 200–210 °C and prepare a baking dish (approx. 30 cm × 40 cm).
• 2
  In a large bowl, thoroughly mix the ground beef with dried oregano, pressed garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Pour 100 ml of water into the baking dish, add the chopped tomatoes and bay leaves. Form balls weighing approx. 55–60 g from the meat mixture and place them in the sauce. Bake in the preheated oven at 200–210 °C for 15–18 minutes.
• 3
  While the meatballs are cooking in the oven, cook the basmati rice in salted water according to package instructions. After cooling, the finished dish can also be frozen in portions. The raw meat mixture or already formed meatballs can also be frozen well.
• 4
  Serve the finished meatballs with the rice and a dollop of Greek yogurt. Garnish with freshly picked basil as desired.