Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs

Get ready to fall in love with these Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs a juicy, cheesy delight that’s pure comfort food at its finest. Imagine biting into a perfectly seasoned meatball only to discover a gooey, melted mozzarella center that oozes out like a delicious surprise. Whether you’re serving these for a family dinner or impressing friends at your next gathering, this recipe is an absolute crowd-pleaser. Trust me, you’re going to want to keep this one in your recipe arsenal!

Why You’ll Love Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re serving them as a main dish, party appetizer, or even tucked into a sub sandwich, these meatballs fit every occasion. Here’s why they’re a favorite:

Versatile: Serve with pasta, on a sub roll, or as finger food at parties.

Budget-Friendly: Uses simple ingredients but tastes gourmet.

Quick and Easy: Ready in about 45 minutes from start to finish.

Customizable: Swap mozzarella for other cheeses like provolone or cheddar.

Crowd-Pleasing: The cheesy surprise inside makes these irresistible for all ages.

Ingredients in Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs

Here’s what makes these meatballs so mouthwatering:

Ground Beef: The juicy, flavorful base of each meatball.

Mozzarella Cheese: Cut into cubes to create that melty, cheesy center.

Breadcrumbs: Help bind the meatballs and keep them tender.

Egg: Acts as a binder to hold everything together.

Garlic and Onion: Freshly minced for a burst of savory flavor.

Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty depth to the mix.

Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings that classic Italian vibe.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s jump into making these cheesy beauties:

Preheat Your Equipment: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Prepare the Filling: Cut mozzarella into small cubes and set aside.

Mix the Meat: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, onion, parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.

Stuff the Meatballs: Take a handful of meat mixture, flatten it, place a mozzarella cube in the center, then carefully wrap the meat around it, forming a ball.

Place on Baking Sheet: Arrange the stuffed meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between each.

Bake to Perfection: Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the meatballs are cooked through and golden brown.

Finishing Touches: Remove from oven and let rest for a few minutes to lock in the juices.

Serve and Enjoy: Serve with your favorite marinara sauce, pasta, or as a hearty appetizer!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: Approximately 350
(Note: Nutrition varies based on meat fat content and portion sizes.)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

How to Serve Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs

This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:

• Classic spaghetti and marinara sauce
• Garlic bread for dipping
• A crisp Caesar or garden salad
• Over creamy polenta or mashed potatoes

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:

• Use whole milk mozzarella for best melting.
• Keep your hands slightly wet to prevent sticking while shaping meatballs.
• Don’t overmix the meat to keep the meatballs tender.
• For extra flavor, add fresh basil or parsley to the meat mixture.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure meatballs reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).

FAQ’s

1. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Yes, just note the flavor and moisture levels will differ slightly.

2. How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out?
Make sure to seal the meat tightly around the cheese and avoid overfilling.

3. Can I prepare these meatballs ahead of time?
You can assemble them and refrigerate for a few hours before baking.

4. Can I freeze stuffed meatballs?
Yes, freeze uncooked meatballs on a tray, then transfer to a bag. Cook from frozen adding extra baking time.

5. What’s the best cheese to use for stuffing?
Mozzarella is classic, but provolone or fontina also melt beautifully.

6. How do I keep meatballs moist?
Adding breadcrumbs and not overworking the meat helps keep them juicy.

7. Can I cook these meatballs in a skillet instead of baking?
Yes, but you’ll need to cook over medium heat and turn frequently for even cooking.

8. Are these meatballs suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely, they reheat well and taste delicious the next day.

9. Can I add extra herbs or spices?
Feel free to customize with oregano, parsley, or red pepper flakes.

10. How do I know when meatballs are done?
Check that the juices run clear and use a meat thermometer to ensure 160°F internal temp.

Conclusion

Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs bring together the best of juicy, savory meat with the melty magic of cheese inside. This recipe is simple enough for weeknights but impressive enough for guests. Whether smothered in marinara or enjoyed on their own, these meatballs are a delicious, comforting treat everyone will rave about. Get ready to make these a regular on your menu!

Print