Meatball marvels

Prep these cozy, comforting dinners in 30 minutes or less

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Spaghetti & Stuffed Meatballs

Wow your crowd with this hearty slow-cooked main with a cheesy surprise inside

3 oz. mozzarella

1½ lbs. ground beef and/or pork

½ cup Italian-style dry breadcrumbs

¼ cup chopped fresh basil + additional leaves for garnish

2 eggs

2 cloves garlic, minced

¼ tsp. salt

¼ tsp. pepper

1½ cups pasta sauce

1 cup cherry tomatoes

12 oz. spaghetti

Finely shredded Parmesan, optional

• Cut cheese into 18 cubes. In large bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, chopped basil, eggs, garlic, salt and pepper; using hands, gently mix until just blended. Divide mixture into 18 portions; place 1 cube of cheese in center of each. Shape meat mixture into balls around mozzarella.

• Place ½ cup pasta sauce in bottom of 4-qt. slow cooker. Place meatballs on top; pour remaining pasta sauce over, making sure meatballs are covered. Cover; cook on low 2½ hrs. Add cherry tomatoes; cook until tomatoes are softened, 1 hr.

• Meanwhile, in large pot of salted boiling water, cook pasta according to package directions for al dente; drain well. Spoon ½ cup sauce from slow cooker into serving bowl. Add pasta; pour remaining sauce and meatballs over. Toss until combined. If desired, sprinkle with Parmesan. Garnish with additional basil leaves.

Servings: 6. Active time: 20 min. Total time: 4 hrs.

Calories: 558 Protein: 39g Fat: 19g (7g sat.) Chol.: 147mg Carbs.: 55g Sodium: 706mg Fiber: 5g Sugar: 5g

Pan Pizza

Cooking pizza in a skillet ensures it bakes up extra crispy outside and chewy inside

2 tsp. + 1 Tbs. olive oil

2 (4 oz.) links Italian sausage, casings removed