Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs: A Delicious Recipe for Cheesy Perfection

Mozzarella stuffed meatballs are a delightful twist on a classic dish that never fails to impress. Imagine sinking your teeth into a tender, juicy meatball, only to discover a gooey, melted center of mozzarella cheese waiting for you. This recipe not only satisfies your taste buds but also brings a sense of comfort and nostalgia, reminiscent of family gatherings and hearty Italian dinners. The origins of meatballs can be traced back to various cultures, but the combination of seasoned ground meat and cheese has become a beloved staple in many households around the world.

People adore mozzarella stuffed meatballs for their incredible flavor and texture. The savory meat, combined with the rich, creamy cheese, creates a mouthwatering experience that is hard to resist. Plus, they are incredibly convenient to make, whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or hosting a special occasion. Join me as we dive into this delicious recipe that is sure to become a favorite in your home!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 pound ground pork
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes
• 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• Olive oil for frying

Preparing the Meatball Mixture

Let’s get started on these delicious mozzarella stuffed meatballs! First, we need to prepare the meatball mixture. This is where all the flavors come together.

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef and ground pork. I like to use a combination of meats for added flavor and texture, but you can use all beef if you prefer.
2. Add the breadcrumbs to the meat mixture. This will help bind the meatballs and give them a nice texture.
3. Next, sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese. This adds a wonderful cheesy flavor that complements the mozzarella we’ll be using later.
4. Chop the fresh parsley and add it to the bowl. Fresh herbs really elevate the dish, but if you don’t have parsley, you can use dried herbs instead.
5. Now, add the minced garlic. I love the aroma of garlic, and it’s a must-have in meatballs!
6. Crack the large egg into the bowl. This will help bind everything together.
7. Season the mixture with salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and dried basil. These spices will give our meatballs a delicious Italian flavor.
8. Using your hands, mix everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.

Stuffing the Meatballs

Now that we have our meatball mixture ready, it’s time to stuff them with mozzarella!

1. Take a small handful of the meat mixture (about 2 tablespoons) and flatten it in the palm of your hand.
2. Place a cube of mozzarella cheese in the center of the flattened meat mixture.
3. Carefully fold the meat around the cheese, sealing it completely. Make sure there are no gaps, or the cheese might ooze out while cooking.
4. Roll the stuffed meatball gently between your hands to form a nice round shape. Repeat this process until all the meat mixture is used up. You should have about 12-15 meatballs, depending on the size.

Cooking the Meatballs

Now it’s time to cook these delicious meatballs! You can either bake them or fry them, but I prefer frying for that crispy exterior.

1. In a large skillet, heat a couple of tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. You want enough oil to coat the bottom of the pan.
2. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the meatballs to the skillet. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan; you may need to do this in batches.
3. Cook the meatballs for about 5-7 minutes, turning them occasionally to ensure they brown evenly on all sides. You want a nice golden crust!
4. Once the meatballs are browned, transfer them to a plate and set aside. They don’t need to be fully cooked through at this point, as they will finish cooking in the sauce.

Simmering in Marinara Sauce

Now that our meatballs are browned, it’s time to let them simmer in marinara sauce for that extra flavor.

1. In the same skillet, pour in the marinara sauce. If you have any leftover bits from the meatballs, don’t worry; they’ll add flavor to the sauce!
2. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
3. Carefully add the browned meat

   Conclusion:

   In summary, these Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs are an absolute must-try for anyone looking to elevate their dinner game. The combination of juicy, flavorful meatballs with a gooey, melted mozzarella center creates a delightful surprise that will have your family and friends raving. Whether you serve them over a bed of spaghetti, in a sub sandwich, or as a tasty appetizer with marinara sauce for dipping, the possibilities are endless. Feel free to get creative with variations—try adding fresh herbs like basil or parsley to the meat mixture, or switch up the cheese with provolone or cheddar for a different flavor profile. You can even make them spicy by incorporating crushed red pepper flakes or serve them with a zesty dipping sauce for an extra kick. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and experience the joy of making these delicious Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs in your own kitchen. Don’t forget to share your experience and any personal twists you add to the recipe! I can’t wait to hear how they turn out for you. Happy cooking! Print
   

   Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs: A Delicious Recipe for Cheesy Perfection

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   • Author: Maria
   • Total Time: 45 minutes
   • Yield: 12–15 meatballs 1x

   Print Recipe

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   Description

   Enjoy these Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs, made with a flavorful mix of ground beef and pork, seasoned perfectly and filled with melty mozzarella cheese. Simmered in marinara sauce, they make a comforting dish that’s sure to impress family and friends.

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   Ingredients

   Scale 1x2x3x

   • 1 pound ground beef
   • 1/2 pound ground pork
   • 1 cup breadcrumbs
   • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
   • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
   • 2 cloves garlic, minced
   • 1 large egg
   • 1 teaspoon salt
   • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
   • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
   • 1 teaspoon dried basil
   • 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes
   • 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
   • Olive oil for frying

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   Instructions

   1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef and ground pork.
   2. Add the breadcrumbs to the meat mixture.
   3. Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese.
   4. Chop the fresh parsley and add it to the bowl.
   5. Add the minced garlic.
   6. Crack the large egg into the bowl.
   7. Season the mixture with salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and dried basil.
   8. Using your hands, mix everything together until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
   9. Take a small handful of the meat mixture (about 2 tablespoons) and flatten it in the palm of your hand.
   10. Place a cube of mozzarella cheese in the center of the flattened meat mixture.
   11. Carefully fold the meat around the cheese, sealing it completely.
   12. Roll the stuffed meatball gently between your hands to form a nice round shape. Repeat until all the meat mixture is used up, yielding about 12-15 meatballs.
   13. In a large skillet, heat a couple of tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
   14. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the meatballs to the skillet, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan.
   15. Cook the meatballs for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure they brown evenly on all sides.
   16. Once browned, transfer the meatballs to a plate and set aside.
   17. In the same skillet, pour in the marinara sauce.
   18. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
   19. Carefully add the browned meatballs back into the skillet, ensuring they are submerged in the sauce.
   20. Cover and let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for about 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through.

   Notes

   • For a healthier option, you can bake the meatballs at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes instead of frying.
   • Feel free to customize the herbs and spices according to your taste preferences.
   • Serve with spaghetti, on a sub roll, or on their own with extra marinara sauce for dipping.

   • Prep Time: 15 minutes
   • Cook Time: 30 minutes