This post is sponsored by Cooked Perfect. All comments and opinions are my own.

With it being back to school season, convenient meals are a must! As of this week, both of my boys are back in school. So now the difficult task of adapting to our new schedule begins. Our summer schedule that was very relaxed has been replaced with one that is jam packed and super hectic!

With school and the boys’ extracurricular schedule, dinner has to be quick and easy. That’s why I keep a big supply of Cooked Perfect® Meatballs in my freezer! Recipes like my Italian Meatball Braid mean that they get the taste they love and I get the ease and convenience that I need.

I am pretty sure that I have mentioned my family’s love for meatballs. I honestly think my guys would eat them every day if they had their way. Obviously, spaghetti and meatballs make it on my meal rotation at least once or twice per month. I also try to get creative with dinner and serve up different options when I can…so I will surprise my guys with meals like this one. It’s incredibly simple and tastes amazing. With a bag of Cooked Perfect Meatballs, a little prep and about 15 minutes in the oven, you can serve up big flavor even on your busiest night.

My recipe may look complicated, but I promise—it’s super simple. You only need a few ingredients to create the ultimate meal for your hectic weeknight.

While you can use your own dough, I choose pre-made refrigerated dough to have this meal ready fast. Once it’s rolled out imagine the dough divided into three parts. Use a pizza wheel (or knife) to cut the two ends of the dough into strips, leaving the middle intact.

Then you simply add sauce, veggies, Cooked Perfect Meatballs and cheese to the middle section of the dough.The last step is to crisscross the strips to cover the ingredients and then just bake it in the oven. In about 15 minutes, you have a delicious meal that your whole family will love.

Cooked Perfect Meatballs are easy to prepare for busy weeknight dinners. They’re perfect for meatball subs, a tasty meatball pizza, spaghetti and meatballs and of course my Italian Meatball Braid. The meal options are endless and all you have to do is look to your freezer for an easy meal starter. Look for a huge selection of tasty varieties of Cooked Perfect Meatballs at your local Publix.

Cooked Perfect Meatballs are crafted with select meats, real cheeses, and aromatic herbs and spices then flame-broiled to sear in the flavor for a delicious tasting meatball. Pick up a great deal on any of your favorite varieties and save when you shop at Publix. Print the new coupon, head to the freezer aisle, grab a bag (or two) and save $1 at checkout! You’ll be set to prepare a delicious meal that’s delicious and convenient.

Italian Meatball Braid
Author: Michelle
Prep time:
Cook time:
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Ingredients
  • 10 – 12 [i]Cooked Perfect [/i]Meatballs, cooked according to package instructions and cut in half
  • Refrigerated pizza dough
  • 1/2 cup pizza or marinara sauce + extra for dipping
  • 1/4 cup onion, sliced
  • 1/2 bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 400º F.
  2. Spray a large baking sheet with cooking spray.
  3. Roll out the dough onto the baking sheet.
  4. Imagine the dough a three equal parts. Cut the two ends of the dough into strips, leaving the middle intact.
  5. Spread the sauce over the middle section.
  6. Top with onions, peppers, meatballs and cheese.
  7. Crisscross the dough strips and tuck the ends.
  8. Bake in a 400º F oven for approximately 15 minutes or until golden brown.

Use the Cooked Perfect product locator tool to find your favorite varieties.  For more recipe ideas, be sure to visit the Cooked Perfect recipe page.