Stuffed Saucy Meatballs and Pasta

== Description ==
Another great finalist from the 2005 National Beef Cookoff.
* Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group
* Source : The Beef Bytes Mailer
* Servings: Serves 4 – 6
== Ingredients ==
* 1½ lbs lean ground beef
* 2 eggs, slightly beaten
* ½ cup seasoned bread crumbs
* 3 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh oregano
* 1 tsp salt
* ½ tsp pepper
* 12 small balls fresh mozzarella cheese (about ⅓ oz each)
* 1 jar (25 – 26 oz) spicy red pepper pasta sauce or other pasta sauce
* 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh oregano 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.
* hot cooked spaghetti rigati or linguine
* fresh oregano sprigs (optional)
== Directions ==
# 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.
# Meanwhile heat pasta sauce in large saucepan until hot, stirring occasionally.
# Add meatballs and cook until heated through, about 5 minutes.
# Spoon meatballs and sauce onto pasta.
# Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon chopped oregano.
# Garnish with oregano sprigs, if desired.
== Notes ==
__NOTOC__
Category:Cathy's Recipes
Category:Meatball Recipes
Category:Ground beef Recipes
Category:Egg Recipes
Category:Breadcrumb Recipes
Category:Mozzarella Recipes
Category:Conchiglie Recipes
Category:Linguine Recipes
Category:Oregano Recipes