Not-So-Sloppy Joes

1 lb lean ground beef or turkey
1/3 cup finely chopped onion
1/3 cup carrot
1 can (8 oz.) tomato sauce, divided
1 egg
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
1/8 tsp black pepper
6 hot dog buns
6 slices mozzarella cheese, halved

Preheat oven to 350*F. Spray 13x9-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray; set aside.

Combine ground beef, onion, carrot, 1/2 can tomato sauce, egg, salt, Italian seasoning and pepper in large bowl. Shape mixture into 1 1/2-inch balls. Place meatballs in prepared pan; top with remaining 1/2 can tomato sauce. Bake 15-20 minutes or until meatballs are browned and cooked through. Remove from oven; cover with foil to keep warm.

Open buns and arrange on baking sheet. Place 2 cheese halves on bottom of each bun. Heat buns about 7 minutes or until cheese is softened. Spoon meatballs and sauce into each bun.

I double this recipe and put half in the freezer before cooking the meatballs. It's just as easy to make two as it is to make one, so it's a quick way to get an extra meal ready for a night when you are pressed for time.

I also use various types of buns - not just hot dog buns.