Lisa Harp, Valdosta Today Food Contributor

I hope everyone enjoyed Derby Day last Saturday. I know we did watching (something we know nothing about and only watch once a year) with good friends.

However, this recipe has nothing to do with Kentucky, hats or horses. It’s about cooking dinner in one dish that’s good and, dare I say, dramatic? It comes from the blog Bev Cooks and I know you and your family will enjoy it.

Giant Mozzarella-Stuffed Meatball and Pasta Bake

What it took for 4:

* 1 pound lean ground beef
* 1/2 pound ground pork
* 3 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/2 cup chopped parsley
* 1/4 cup milk
* 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
* 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan
* 1 pinch salt and pepper
* 4 balls bocconcini or fresh mozzarella (if you can’t find these, you can cut up bigger balls of fresh mozzarella instead)
* 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
* 1/2 pound spaghetti

Preheat oven to 375.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, garlic, parsley, milk, panko, parmesan and a good pinch of coarse salt and freshly ground pepper. Mix with your hands to combine.

So then, divide the meat into four enormous meatballs. Using your thumbs, press a hole in the center of each mound, and place the small mozzarella ball right in the center. Fold and press the meat around the cheese, covering the hole completely.

Pour a little of the tomatoes into the bottom of a 9×13 baking dish. (8×10 works, too!) Place the dried spaghetti right on top and pour the rest of the sauce over the noodles, covering every noodles.

Photos and recipe courtesy Bev Cooks

Lisa Harp owns Plat du Jour Gourmet Delivery, delivering delicious meals to businesses and individuals all over South Georgia and North Florida since 2003.  She has been featured in Southern Living magazine, including the Best of the Year recipes and cookbook, as well as online and newspapers.  You can learn more about her business by visiting her website at www.yourplatdujour.com.