Get ready for a flavor explosion with these Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs! Tender meatballs, packed with gooey mozzarella cheese, and simmered in a rich marinara sauce, make for a truly irresistible meal. Perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in, these meatballs are sure to be a hit. Serve them over spaghetti for a classic Italian feast. Get ready for a cheesy, meaty delight!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Cheesy Surprise: The gooey mozzarella center adds a delightful burst of flavor.
- Tender and Juicy: The meatballs are cooked to perfection, ensuring a moist and tender bite.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward instructions make this recipe a breeze.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for family dinners, gatherings, or a special meal.
Ingredients
- Lean Ground Beef: Provides a lean, tender protein base.
- Italian Bread Crumbs: Helps bind the meatballs and adds texture.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty, and savory flavor.
- Minced Yellow Onion: Adds a sweet and savory flavor base.
- Minced Garlic: Provides a pungent, aromatic flavor.
- Egg: Binds the ingredients together.
- Dried Oregano: Adds a warm, aromatic flavor.
- Dried Basil: Adds a sweet, fragrant flavor.
- Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
- Pepper: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Provides a melty, gooey center.
- Marinara Sauce: Creates a rich, tomato-based sauce.
- Spaghetti Noodles: Provides a classic pasta base.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
How to Make Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs
Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture
Preheat oven to 375°F. Combine ground beef, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, onion, garlic, egg, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix until just combined.
Step 2: Stuff the Meatballs
Take 1 ½ tablespoons of meat mixture and form a ball. Place a piece of mozzarella in the center and form the ball around it.
Step 3: Bake the Meatballs
Place meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Step 4: Cook the Noodles
Cook spaghetti noodles according to package directions.
Step 5: Simmer in Marinara
Add baked meatballs and marinara sauce to a saucepan. Cook over medium-high heat until heated through.
Step 6: Serve
Serve meatballs and sauce over spaghetti noodles.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs.
- Use Quality Cheese: Opt for good quality mozzarella for the best flavor and melt.
- Seal the Meatballs Well: Ensure the mozzarella is fully enclosed to prevent leakage.
- Cook Noodles Al Dente: Prevent mushy noodles by cooking them until just tender.
How to Serve Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs
- With Spaghetti: Serve over spaghetti noodles for a classic meal.
- On Sub Rolls: Use them to make delicious meatball subs.
- With Polenta: Serve over creamy polenta for a comforting dish.
- Garnish: Garnish with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating
Reheat in the microwave or in a saucepan over medium heat until warmed through.
Freezing
Freeze cooked meatballs in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can use other melting cheeses like provolone or fontina.
2. Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can use a combination of ground beef and ground pork or ground turkey.
3. Can I add vegetables to the meatballs?
Yes, you can add finely chopped vegetables like spinach or bell peppers to the meat mixture.
4. Can I make this dish without bread crumbs?
Yes, you can use gluten-free bread crumbs or rolled oats as a substitute.
Print
Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
These Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs are a delicious twist on a classic comfort food. Tender meatballs are packed with melty mozzarella cheese, creating a gooey and flavorful center. Baked to perfection and simmered in your favorite marinara sauce, they’re perfect served over spaghetti for a satisfying family meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1/4 cup Italian bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese (pre-grated from the jar)
- 1/4 cup yellow onion, minced (about 1/4 small onion)
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced (about 2 cloves)
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, diced into 1/2-inch pieces
- Marinara sauce
- Spaghetti noodles
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Combine Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, add the ground beef, Italian bread crumbs, parmesan cheese, minced onion, minced garlic, egg, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is just combined.
- Stuff Meatballs: Take about 1 ½ tablespoons of the meatball mixture in your hand and start forming it into a ball. Take one piece of diced mozzarella cheese, pop it into the center of the meatball, and continue to form a ball around the cheese. The meatballs should be about 1 inch in diameter.
- Bake Meatballs: Place the finished meatballs onto the prepared baking sheet. Once all the meatballs are formed, place them in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Cook Noodles: While the meatballs are baking, cook the spaghetti noodles according to package directions.
- Simmer in Marinara Sauce: Remove the cooked meatballs from the oven. In a large saucepan or pot, add the meatballs and marinara sauce. Cook over medium-high heat until the sauce is heated evenly and the meatballs are all coated in sauce.
- Serve: Remove the meatballs and sauce from the heat and serve with spaghetti noodles.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to prevent excess grease.
- Don’t overmix the meatball mixture, as this can result in tough meatballs.
- Ensure the mozzarella cheese is diced into small enough pieces to fit inside the meatballs.
- You can use fresh herbs instead of dried herbs for a more vibrant flavor.
- Serve with a side of garlic bread or a simple salad.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Serving
- Calories: 450kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
