Stuffed Mozzarella Meatballs with Spaghetti

Everyone has a love language. Some people show their love with acts of service. Others give gifts, and many show endearment with physical touch. I truly believe cooking for your family and friends is a combination of all three of these things. The acts of service come into play as you prepare your meal for loved ones. Presenting them with a specially made dinner just for them follows suit.

When I think about the time I have spent around the table with my family, I find myself being so grateful for the fellowship, laughter, and good company. Did you know that there are so many benefits to eating together as a family? For example: toddlers are able to improve upon their language skills, and children are able to feel heard. They learn how express their feelings by discussing their daily activities, struggles, and accomplishments. Over all, families bond at the dinner table on such a deep level. We live in such fast-paced times, and it seems like everyone has a busy schedule; even the kids! It can be hard to find time for every family member to sit down to eat collectively. However, if you can make it work, I truly believe it is such a blessing.

As I find myself reminiscing on these wonderful memories, one meal in particular comes to mind. This meal graced our table when Brian’s mother came to visit, and it is now one of her absolute favorite creations served in the Danforth home.

Stuffed mozzarella meatballs with spaghetti. Yum.

Here’s what you’ll need.

This recipe is similar to regular meatballs, but with a little more “Mmmm”.

1 and 1/2 pounds ground beef 85-90% lean 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon pepper

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning

1 egg

6 ounces mozzarella cheese balls

3 cups marinara sauce homemade or store bought, warmed 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Directions:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line your sheet pan with foil and coat the foil with cooking spray.

• Place the beef, breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, garlic powder, oregano, egg and water in a bowl and combine all the ingredients together. You may need to add more water, 1 tablespoon at a time, to get a smooth mixture.

• Take approximately 2 tablespoons of the meat mixture and roll it into a ball. Make an opening and add in a 2 mozzarella balls and then cover with the ground meat mixture to close in the cheese. Place the meatball on the sheet pan and repeat with remaining meat and cheese.

• Bake in the oven for 20 minutes or until meatballs are just done.

Marinara Sauce:

Jar of favorite Spaghetti Sauce Diced onions (We like Prego)

Diced green peppers

Minced garlic

Salt

Pepper

1Tbs. of white sugar

Directions:

Sauté the onions, green peppers, and garlic in a pan. Add the favorite spaghetti sauce.

Let simmer

Place the meatballs on a plate and pour the marinara sauce over the top, Sprinkle with parsley and serve immediately with Spaghetti Pasta.