Spaghetti and Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs

Meat Sauce Ingredients:

2 Italian sausage links, casings removed
1/2 lb lean ground beef
1 yellow onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 T Italian seasoning
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
3 - 15 oz cans tomato sauce
1 - 15 oz can diced tomatoes with juice

In a large stock pot, brown the sausage and ground beef.  Add the onions and cook until translucent.  Add the garlic and cook another minute.  Add the seasonings, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes.  Stir well and bring to a boil.  Lower the heat and simmer for 30 minutes until the sauce has slightly thickened. 

While the sauce is simmering, you can make the meatballs. 

Meatball Ingredients:

3 Italian sausage links, casings removed
1/2 lb lean ground beef
1/4 cup yellow onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tsp Italian seasoning
Kosher salt
black pepper
2 eggs, beaten
1/4 cup milk
1 cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs
grated parmesan
fresh small mozzarella balls (found in specialty cheese section by deli)

In a large bowl, put all the meatball ingredients except the mozzarella balls.  Use your hands to mix together.  Take a handful of the meat and put a mozzarella ball in the middle.  Form the meat around the mozzarella ball and place them on a baking sheet. 

In a large skillet on medium high heat, add some olive oil.  Brown the meatballs on all sides in batches.  When the meat sauce is ready, add the browned meatballs.  Make sure the meatballs are pushed down into the sauce, cover, and let cook on low heat for about 15 minutes, or until completely cooked through.

Toss cooked pasta with meat sauce and serve sprinkled with grated parmesan.  Enjoy!