Stuffed Saucy Meatballs & Pasta
Marinating Time: 0 min
Prep & Cook Time: 45 min
Yield: 4 to 6 Servings
Ingredients
1-1/2 pounds ground beef
2 eggs, slightly beaten
1/2 cup seasoned bread crumbs
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh oregano
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
12 small balls fresh mozzarella cheese (about 1/3 ounce each)
1 jar (25 to 26 ounces) spicy red pepper pasta sauce or other pasta sauce
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh oregano
Hot cooked spaghetti rigati or linguine
Fresh oregano sprigs (optional)
Directions
1. Heat oven to 400°F. Combine ground beef, eggs, bread crumbs, garlic, 1 tablespoon chopped oregano, salt and pepper in large bowl, mixing lightly but thoroughly. Divide mixture into 12 equal portions. Lightly shape into patties. Place 1 mozzarella ball in center of each patty. Shape beef around cheese until completely enclosed inside forming meatballs. Place meatballs on aluminum-foil-lined 15 x 10-inch baking pan. Bake in 400°F oven 15 to 20 minutes to medium (160°F) doneness, until not pink in center and juices show no pink color.
2. Meanwhile heat pasta sauce in large saucepan until hot, stirring occasionally. Add meatballs and cook until heated through, about 5 minutes.
3. Spoon meatballs and sauce onto pasta. Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon chopped oregano. Garnish with oregano sprigs, if desired.
Tips
Dried oregano leaves may be substituted for fresh. Use 1 teaspoon dried oregano leaves in meatball mixture. Add 1 teaspoon dried oregano leaves to pasta sauce before heating.
Credit
Margaret Murphy, IL - www.beefcookoff.org
