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
 * hot cooked spaghetti rigati or linguine
 * fresh oregano sprigs (optional)

Directions

 * 1) Heat oven to 400°F.
 * 2) Combine ground beef, eggs, bread crumbs, garlic, 1 tablespoon chopped oregano, salt and pepper in large bowl, mixing lightly but thoroughly.
 * 3) Divide mixture into 12 equal portions.
 * 4) Lightly shape into patties.
 * 5) Place 1 mozzarella ball in center of each patty.
 * 6) Shape beef around cheese until completely enclosed inside forming meatballs.
 * 7) Place meatballs on aluminum-foil-lined 15 x 10-inch baking pan.
 * 8) 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.
 * 9) Meanwhile heat pasta sauce in large saucepan until hot, stirring occasionally.
 * 10) Add meatballs and cook until heated through, about 5 minutes.
 * 11) Spoon meatballs and sauce onto pasta.
 * 12) Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon chopped oregano.
 * 13) Garnish with oregano sprigs, if desired.