MOZZARELLA-STUFFED ITALIAN MEATBALLS

Mozzarella-Stuffed Italian Meatballs image

Three kinds of meat infuse these meatballs with authentic, Italian flavor. The surprise of fresh mozzarella cheese inside is always a hit.-Cyndy Gerken, Naples, Florida

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Dinner

Time 1h5m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 18

Ingredients

2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 large onions, finely chopped
2/3 cup seasoned bread crumbs
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
3 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
2 tablespoons minced fresh basil
1 tablespoon minced fresh oregano
8 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean)
1/2 pound ground pork
1/2 pound ground veal
16 fresh mozzarella cheese balls, drained and patted dry
Hot cooked spaghetti
Marinara or spaghetti sauce, warmed

Steps:

In a large bowl, combine eggs and Worcestershire sauce. Add the onions, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, basil, oregano, garlic, salt, pepper and red pepper flakes. Crumble the beef, pork and veal over mixture; mix well. , Divide into 16 portions. Shape each portion around a mozzarella ball., Place meatballs on a greased rack in a shallow baking pan. Bake at 400° for 25-30 minutes or until a thermometer reads 160°. Drain on paper towels. , Serve with spaghetti or marinara sauce.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 281 calories, Fat 14g fat (6g saturated fat), Cholesterol 131mg cholesterol, Sodium 418mg sodium, Carbohydrate 12g carbohydrate (2g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 26g protein.