Averie Cooks

Meatballs
-1 To a large bowl, add all the ingredients (except the oil), and using a wooden spoon or a gloved hand, mix together all ingredients. Don't overmix.
-1 Using a large cookie scoop or ice cream scoop, form the meatballs. If desired, add a bit of oil to your hands and then roll the meatballs into nice round balls, although straight off the cookie or ice cream scoop is fine too.* (See Notes)
-1 To a large skillet, add the oil, meatballs, and cook over medium-high heat until browned on all sides, flipping as necessary to ensure even cooking.** (See Notes) Tip - Do not overcrowd the pan. If necessary, cook the meatballs in batches.
-1 Set cooked meatballs aside on a plate.
Tomato Sauce
-1 To a large skillet or saucepan, add the oil, onion, garlic, and saute over medium heat for 3 minutes, stir nearly constantly.
-1 Add the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
-1 Add all remaining ingredients (except gnocchi) and simmer for 15 minutes.
-1 Add the browned meatballs to the sauce and simmer for 10 minutes to ensure they are fully cooked through.
-1 Add the gnocchi (refrigerated, dry, or homemade) and cook for 5 minutes or until tender and done.
Assembly
-1 Preheat your broiler to high (or 400F) and place an oven rack on the top or second to the top rung.
-1 To a spayed or greased oven-safe casserole or baking dish, transfer the meatballs, sauce, and gnocchi into it.
-1 Evenly top with shredded cheese.
-1 Broil until the cheese is lightly golden browned and bubbly, about 5 minutes. Tip -  As always when broiling anything, keep a very close eye on it, don't leave the kitchen, and set an alarm. Food can go from underdone to burnt when under a broiler in a matter of one minute and the last thing you want to do now is burn it!
-1 Serve immediately with French bread, garlic bread, or a salad.