Description
Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs are tender, juicy meatballs filled with gooey melted cheese at the center. Simmered in a rich tomato sauce, they’re perfect for serving over pasta, in subs, or as a hearty appetizer.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 lb ground pork (optional for extra flavor)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 12–16 cubes of mozzarella cheese (about 3/4-inch each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for browning)
- 2 cups marinara sauce
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, pork (if using), breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, parsley, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix until just combined—do not overwork.
- Take about 2 tablespoons of meat mixture and flatten slightly in your hand. Place a cube of mozzarella in the center and wrap the meat around it to seal. Roll into a ball. Repeat with remaining meat and cheese.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides, about 5–6 minutes (they don’t need to be cooked through).
- Pour marinara sauce over the meatballs. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15–20 minutes until meatballs are cooked through and cheese is melted inside.
- Serve hot with pasta, on a hoagie roll, or as an appetizer with toothpicks.
Notes
- Use low-moisture mozzarella to prevent excess liquid inside the meatballs.
- For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes to the meat mixture.
- These meatballs can be baked instead of pan-fried for a lighter option.
- Double the batch and freeze uncooked meatballs for later use.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 meatballs
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 430mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: mozzarella stuffed meatballs, cheesy meatballs, meatballs with cheese, Italian meatballs, meatball appetizer