There's nothing quite like biting into a tender, flavorful meatball only to discover a gooey, cheesy surprise inside. Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs are a family favorite that's as impressive as it is easy to make. With a savory meat mixture wrapped around melty mozzarella, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
The first time I made these meatballs, I was just experimenting with a new way to elevate our usual spaghetti night. They were an instant hit! Now, this recipe is a staple in our home, often paired with a simple marinara sauce and crusty bread. Let’s dive into what makes these stuffed meatballs a must-try dish.
Why You’ll Love This Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs Recipe
Get ready to elevate your meatball game! These Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs are the perfect combination of comfort food and gourmet flair.
- Quick and Simple: This recipe takes just 30 minutes to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you still want something hearty and delicious.
- Cheesy Surprise: Every bite reveals a melty, cheesy core of mozzarella, guaranteed to please both kids and adults.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether served with pasta, on a sub roll, or as an appetizer, these meatballs are always a hit.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare these meatballs in advance, freeze them, and cook them when needed for ultimate convenience.
Once you make these, you’ll see why they’ve become a family favorite. Let’s explore the ingredients that make them shine.
Ingredients Notes
The magic of these Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs lies in their flavorful ingredients and the creamy mozzarella center. Here’s what you’ll need and why they’re important:
- Ground Meat: A blend of ground beef and pork gives the best flavor and texture. You can use all beef or substitute with ground turkey for a leaner option.
- Breadcrumbs: These provide structure and keep the meatballs tender. Use Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs for extra flavor, or plain breadcrumbs if that’s what you have on hand.
- Egg: Acts as a binder to hold everything together.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor that complements the mozzarella beautifully.
- Seasonings: Garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, and parsley are must-haves for a classic Italian flavor profile.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Fresh mozzarella works best for that gooey center, but you can also use mozzarella string cheese cut into small chunks for convenience.
- Marinara Sauce: A rich tomato sauce ties the dish together, perfect for serving and dipping.
You’ll also need a baking sheet, parchment paper, and a skillet if you choose to brown the meatballs before baking. Now, let’s get started on the fun part—putting it all together!
How to Make Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs
Making these meatballs is easier than you might think. Here’s how to create your own cheesy, savory masterpieces:
- Prepare the Meat Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 pound ground beef, ½ pound ground pork, ½ cup breadcrumbs, 1 egg, ¼ cup grated Parmesan, and your seasonings (1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon dried oregano, and 2 tablespoon chopped parsley). Mix until everything is evenly combined, but don’t overwork the meat. - Shape and Stuff
Take a golf ball-sized portion of the meat mixture and flatten it slightly in your hand. Place a piece of mozzarella cheese (about 1-inch cube) in the center, then fold the meat around it, rolling it into a ball. Make sure the cheese is fully enclosed to prevent leaks. Repeat until all the mixture is used. - Cook the Meatballs
- Option 1: Bake: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 18-20 minutes until fully cooked.
- Option 2: Sear and Bake: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides (about 2 minutes per side), then transfer them to the oven to finish cooking.
- Serve with Sauce
While the meatballs cook, warm 2 cups marinara sauce in a saucepan. Once the meatballs are ready, add them to the sauce, ensuring they’re well-coated.
The total cooking time is about 30 minutes, and the result is pure comfort on a plate. Serve these meatballs with spaghetti, garlic bread, or a side salad for a complete meal.
Storage Options
These meatballs are not only delicious fresh out of the oven but also great for leftovers! Here’s how to store them:
- Refrigerate: Place cooked meatballs in an airtight container with some marinara sauce to keep them moist. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days in the fridge.
- Freeze: Arrange the cooked meatballs (without sauce) on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container, where they’ll last for up to 3 months.
To reheat, warm the meatballs in a skillet with a bit of marinara sauce over medium heat until heated through. If frozen, let them thaw in the fridge overnight first.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about this recipe is how customizable it is. Here are a few ideas:
- Turkey Meatballs: Swap the beef and pork for ground turkey for a lighter version.
- Different Cheeses: Experiment with other melty cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or fontina for a twist on the classic.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the meat mixture for a spicy variation.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this dish suitable for gluten-sensitive diners.
- Mini Meatballs: Make smaller, bite-sized versions for party appetizers – they’re always a hit!
Don’t be afraid to make this recipe your own. No matter how you tweak it, the cheesy center and tender meat will always impress.
These Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs are the ultimate comfort food with a gourmet touch. Whether you’re making them for a family dinner, a party, or just because, they’re sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation. Give them a try and enjoy the delicious, cheesy magic!
PrintEasy Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs Recipe
This easy mozzarella-stuffed meatballs recipe is perfect for creating a crowd-pleasing, cheesy delight. Made with ground meat, Italian seasonings, and gooey mozzarella at the center, these meatballs are an irresistible addition to your favorite pasta or a party appetizer.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ lb ground pork
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 8 oz mozzarella cheese, cubed into ½-inch pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
- 1 jar marinara sauce (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well until combined.
- Take a small handful of the meat mixture, flatten it in your palm, and place a mozzarella cube in the center. Wrap the meat around the cheese, sealing it completely, and roll it into a ball. Repeat with the remaining mixture.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides, about 6-8 minutes.
- Optionally, transfer the meatballs to a pot of marinara sauce and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Serve warm with pasta, bread, or as a party appetizer!
Notes
- For extra flavor, add chopped parsley or basil to the meat mixture.
- Use whole-milk mozzarella for a gooey center.
- Can be baked instead of pan-fried at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 meatballs
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
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