Looking for a fun, flavorful twist on classic meatballs? These Stuffed Meatballs with Mozzarella Cheese are a total crowd-pleaser! Juicy, tender meatballs are packed with gooey mozzarella centers, making every bite a cheesy delight. Serve them with your favorite marinara sauce and pasta, or enjoy them on their own for a hearty, satisfying dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
These stuffed meatballs are pure comfort food, combining rich, savory flavors with the surprise of melty cheese in the middle. They’re easy to make, kid-approved, and perfect for any occasion—from weeknight dinners to family gatherings.
Ingredients
Here’s a preview of the key ingredients. You’ll find the full list below.
- Ground beef or a beef-pork mixture
- Breadcrumbs
- Eggs
- Garlic and onion, finely minced
- Italian seasoning
- Fresh parsley
- Mozzarella cheese (cubed for stuffing)
- Marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, eggs, minced garlic, onion, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined but not overworked.
- Take a small handful of the meat mixture and flatten it into a disc. Place a cube of mozzarella in the center, then wrap the meat around it, sealing the cheese completely. Roll into a ball and set aside. Repeat with the remaining mixture.
- Arrange the meatballs in the prepared baking dish. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and golden brown.
- While the meatballs bake, warm your marinara sauce in a saucepan.
- Once done, pour the marinara sauce over the meatballs and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot and enjoy!
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Use fresh mozzarella for the best gooey center, but string cheese cut into cubes works in a pinch.
- Wet your hands slightly while forming the meatballs to prevent the mixture from sticking.
- Sear the meatballs in a skillet before baking for an extra golden crust.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Try a blend of ground beef, pork, and veal for ultra-flavorful meatballs.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat mixture for a little heat.
- Experiment with different cheeses like cheddar or gouda for a fun twist.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
These stuffed meatballs are incredibly versatile. Serve them over spaghetti, alongside garlic bread and a green salad, or in a meatball sub for a handheld meal. For an appetizer version, make smaller meatballs and serve them with toothpicks and marinara dipping sauce.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet with a splash of marinara sauce over medium heat until warmed through. You can also freeze the meatballs (before adding sauce) for up to 3 months.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken?
Yes! Ground turkey or chicken makes a leaner alternative, but you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.
How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out?
Ensure the mozzarella is completely enclosed in the meat mixture and avoid overstuffing.
Can I make these meatballs gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs in place of regular ones.
What if I don’t have marinara sauce?
No problem! Serve the meatballs with a creamy Alfredo sauce or simply drizzle them with olive oil and a sprinkle of parmesan.
Conclusion
Stuffed Meatballs with Mozzarella Cheese are the perfect combination of cheesy goodness and savory satisfaction. Whether you’re making them for dinner or a party, they’re guaranteed to impress. Gather your ingredients, roll up those sleeves, and get ready for a meal that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Enjoy!
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Stuffed Meatballs with Mozzarella Cheese – Easy & Delicious Dinner
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 meatballs 1x
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Stuffed Meatballs with Mozzarella Cheese are tender, juicy, and bursting with cheesy goodness. Perfect for an easy and satisfying dinner, these meatballs are made with a flavorful blend of ground meat, Italian herbs, and melty mozzarella at the center. Serve them with marinara sauce over pasta or enjoy them on their own!
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 6–8 small mozzarella balls (or 1 cup mozzarella cut into small cubes)
For the Sauce (optional):
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried basil or parsley
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, onion powder, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined, but don’t overmix.
- Shape the Meatballs: Take a small handful of the mixture (about 2 tablespoons) and flatten it slightly in your palm. Place a mozzarella ball or cube in the center, then wrap the meat mixture around it, rolling it into a ball. Repeat with the remaining mixture.
- Bake the Meatballs: Arrange the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until fully cooked and golden brown.
- Make the Sauce (Optional): While the meatballs bake, heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add marinara sauce and dried basil, stirring occasionally. Simmer for 5-7 minutes.
- Serve: Serve the meatballs hot, topped with marinara sauce, fresh parsley, and extra Parmesan cheese. Pair with spaghetti, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.
Notes
- Substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour for a low-carb option.
- Freeze uncooked meatballs for up to 3 months for easy meal prep.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg to the meat mixture for extra depth of flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 meatballs
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 90mg