4 sticks (1 ounce size) mozzarella string cheese, cut into 3/4" cubes
1/2 cup italian style bread crumbs
1 jar (48 ounce size) tomato pasta sauce, divided
1 1/2 pound lean ground beef
2 tablespoons finely chopped onion
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
1 egg
12 ounces uncooked spaghetti pasta
2/3 cup shredded fresh parmesan cheese
Put cheese cubes in small resealable freezer plastic bag; seal bag and freeze at least 1 hour.
Heat oven to 375 degrees F. Line 15x10x1" pan with foil; spray foil with cooking spray.
In large bowl, mix bread crumbs and 3 tablespoons of the pasta sauce. Stir in beef, onion, salt, oregano and egg. Shape mixture into 2" balls. Press 1 cheese cube into center of each ball, sealing it inside. Gently place in pan. Bake 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, pour remaining pasta sauce into 5 quart Dutch oven. Cover; heat to simmering over medium high heat, stirring frequently. Gently stir in meatballs; reduce heat to medium low. Cover; simmer about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until meatballs are cooked and not pink in center.
Cook and drain spaghetti; keep warm.
Serve meatballs and sauce over spaghetti. Serve with Parmesan cheese.
karenjs
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reviews & comments
May 3, 2009
What a fun recipe! Absolutely delicious too. Use good quality string cheese (the cheap brands have an odd texture). You can use whatever spaghetti sauce you like, we used a plain sauce with added herbs and seasonings. This recipe could be made ahead too. Prepare and bake the meatballs until done (instead of just 10 minutes). Then freeze. To finish, just put the frozen meatballs in the simmering sauce until heated through. The meatballs would work well in an Alfredo or other white pasta sauce too.