Picture this: juicy, perfectly seasoned meatballs with a molten, cheesy center, bathed in rich marinara sauce. Sounds like heaven, right? These Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs are a total game-changer—easy to make, irresistibly delicious, and guaranteed to impress. Whether you’re making a cozy weeknight dinner or prepping for a gathering, this dish is about to become a new favorite. Trust me, once you bite into that cheesy goodness, there’s no going back!
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Why You’ll Love Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile
Perfect for busy weeknights or as a standout dish at gatherings. Imagine coming home after a long day, knowing you can whip up something delicious and comforting in no time. Or envision serving this at a party, where guests ask for the recipe before the night ends.
Budget-Friendly
Uses ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. No need for exotic items—this dish proves that simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavors. It’s perfect for when you’re trying to stick to a budget but still want something hearty and satisfying.
Quick and Easy
Straightforward steps that even beginners can follow. If you usually avoid complex recipes, this one is for you. It’s designed to be foolproof, so you can enjoy cooking without stress.
Customizable
Easy to tweak with different flavors to suit your preferences. Love bold flavors? Add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika. Prefer something milder? Adjust the seasoning to make it kid-friendly.
Crowd-Pleasing
A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.
Ingredients in Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs
Here’s the magic of these meatballs—they’re made with just a few pantry staples, but the result is so much more than the sum of its parts. Let’s break it down:
Ground Beef & Pork: A combination of beef and pork gives these meatballs the perfect juicy texture and rich flavor. You can use just beef, but trust me, the mix makes a difference.
Mozzarella Cheese: The star of the show! Small mozzarella cubes melt into a gooey, cheesy center that takes these meatballs to the next level.
Breadcrumbs: Help hold everything together and give the meatballs the perfect texture. Use Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs for extra flavor.
Eggs: Bind everything together, ensuring your meatballs stay intact while cooking.
Garlic & Onion: Classic flavor boosters that add depth and a little bite to every meatball.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a rich, nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the mozzarella.
Fresh Parsley: A bright, fresh touch that balances the richness.
Italian Seasoning: A perfect blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme to enhance the overall taste.
Salt & Pepper: Simple but essential—proper seasoning makes all the difference.
Marinara Sauce: The perfect finishing touch! Use your favorite store-bought brand or make a homemade version for extra depth.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Preheat Your Equipment
Preheat your oven to 400°F. This ensures even cooking and helps the meatballs develop a beautiful crust.
Prepare the Meat Mixture
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, pork, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, onion, Parmesan, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined, but don’t overwork the meat—this keeps the meatballs tender.
Shape the Meatballs
Take a small amount of the meat mixture and flatten it in your palm. Place a cube of mozzarella in the center and wrap the meat around it, sealing tightly. Roll into a ball and repeat with the remaining mixture.
Bake the Meatballs
Place the meatballs on a lined baking sheet and bake for about 15-18 minutes, or until browned and cooked through.
Simmer in Marinara Sauce
While the meatballs bake, heat marinara sauce in a skillet over medium heat. Once the meatballs are done, transfer them into the sauce and let them simmer for 5-10 minutes to absorb all the flavors.
Serve and Enjoy
Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil and extra Parmesan. Enjoy over pasta, with crusty bread, or on their own!
Nutrition Facts
- Servings: 4-6
- Calories per serving: Varies based on portion size
How to Serve Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs
These meatballs are incredibly versatile. Here are a few ways to enjoy them:
With Pasta
A classic pairing! Serve over spaghetti or your favorite pasta, topped with extra marinara and Parmesan.
On a Sub
Turn them into a mouthwatering meatball sub! Toast a hoagie roll, add some marinara, and melt extra mozzarella on top.
With Crusty Bread
Serve alongside warm, crusty bread to soak up that delicious sauce. Garlic bread is always a great choice.
As an Appetizer
Stick toothpicks in them and serve as a party appetizer with extra marinara on the side for dipping.
With Roasted Veggies
Pair with roasted zucchini, asparagus, or bell peppers for a lighter meal.
Additional Tips
Prep Ahead
You can prepare the meat mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking.
Make It Spicy
Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a little heat.
Gluten-Free Option
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this dish completely gluten-free.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Freeze for Later
These meatballs freeze beautifully! Freeze uncooked meatballs on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to cook, bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use just ground beef instead of beef and pork?
A1: Yes! While the combination adds extra flavor, ground beef alone works just fine.
Q2: Can I make these ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! Prepare the meatballs and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking.
Q3: How do I keep the cheese from leaking out?
A3: Make sure the meat mixture fully encases the cheese and is sealed tightly. Chilling the meatballs before baking also helps.
Q4: Can I cook these on the stovetop instead?
A4: Yes! Brown them in a skillet with a bit of oil, then simmer in marinara sauce until fully cooked.
Q5: How do I reheat leftovers?
A5: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or microwave in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
Final Thoughts
These Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs are a comfort food dream come true—simple to make, packed with flavor, and oh-so-satisfying. Whether you’re serving them with pasta, stuffing them into a sub, or enjoying them straight from the skillet, they’re bound to become a staple in your kitchen. So go ahead, give them a try, and get ready for some serious cheese-pull action!
Print
Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
These Baked Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs are juicy, flavorful, and filled with gooey melted cheese! Made with ground chicken, turkey, or lean beef, these meatballs are coated in breadcrumbs, browned to perfection, and simmered in rich marinara sauce. Serve them over spaghetti or with a light salad for a satisfying meal. Perfect for quick and easy dinner recipes with ground beef, simple high-protein meals, and recipes to try for dinner!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken, turkey, or lean ground beef
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 raw egg, beaten
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup plain breadcrumbs (plus more for rolling)
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp sweet paprika
- 1 cup fresh chopped parsley
- Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
- 20 baby mozzarella balls (bocconcini)
- Extra virgin olive oil
- 25 oz pasta sauce (homemade or store-bought marinara)
Instructions
- Make the meatball mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground meat, garlic, egg, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, oregano, paprika, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Preheat oven: Set the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare breadcrumbs: Add extra breadcrumbs to a small bowl for rolling.
- Form the meatballs: Take about 1 tablespoon of meat mixture, form into a ball, and make an indentation in the center. Insert a mozzarella ball and reshape to fully cover the cheese.
- Roll in breadcrumbs: Coat each meatball evenly in breadcrumbs.
- Brown the meatballs: Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides (about 2-3 minutes).
- Add the sauce: Turn off the heat and pour the pasta sauce over the meatballs. Add extra mozzarella balls to the sauce if desired.
- Cover and bake: Cover the skillet with a lid or foil and bake for 10-15 minutes, until the meatballs are fully cooked.
Notes
- These meatballs can be made with chicken, turkey, or lean beef for a lighter option.
- Serve over pasta, zoodles, or alongside a salad for a balanced meal.
- Can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator before baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 meatballs
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg