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- 1 pound ground beef - 1/2 pound ground pork (optional; can substitute with additional ground beef or ground turkey) - 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, minced - 1 large egg - 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes - 2 cups marinara sauce I love using a mix of ground beef and pork for these meatballs. The beef gives it a rich flavor, while the pork adds some nice juiciness. You can also use just ground beef or turkey if you prefer. The mozzarella is the star here; it melts beautifully inside the meatball. Each bite will be a cheesy delight. - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste Seasoning is key to great meatballs. I always add garlic and onion powder for depth. Salt and pepper balance the flavors. Grated Parmesan cheese adds a nice touch and extra flavor to the mix. It makes the meatballs even more savory. - Substitutions for meat: ground turkey or chicken - Additional herbs or spices: oregano or thyme If you want to switch things up, ground turkey or chicken works well. They are leaner but still tasty. You can also add more herbs like oregano or thyme for a different flavor. This way, you can customize your meatballs to fit your taste. {{ingredient_image_2}} First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This heat will make your meatballs cook just right. Next, get a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. This step helps prevent sticking later on. In a large bowl, combine 1 pound of ground beef and 1/2 pound of ground pork if you like. If you want, you can use just more ground beef or ground turkey. Add in 1 cup of seasoned breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and 1/4 cup of minced parsley. Crack in 1 large egg. Then sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, along with salt and pepper to taste. Mix gently with your hands or a spoon. Be careful not to overmix. This keeps your meatballs tender and juicy. Now, let’s shape those meatballs! Take a handful of the meat mixture and form it into a patty in your palm. Place a small cube of mozzarella cheese in the center. Fold the meat around the cheese and roll it into a ball. Make sure the cheese is completely enclosed. Repeat this for all the meat mixture. Aim for the meatballs to be about 1.5 inches in size. This size cooks evenly and gives a nice bite. Place the stuffed meatballs on the lined baking sheet. Space them out well. Bake in your preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes. You want them to be cooked through and golden brown outside. While they bake, heat 2 cups of marinara sauce in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the meatballs are golden, transfer them into the skillet with the sauce. Let them simmer for 5 to 10 minutes. This melds all the flavors together beautifully. Enjoy the delicious smells filling your kitchen! To keep meatballs tender, be gentle when mixing. Overmixing can make them tough. Use equal parts ground beef and pork to add flavor and moisture. If you prefer, you can use only ground beef or turkey. The key is to maintain a good ratio of meat to breadcrumbs. This balance helps create a soft and juicy meatball. Adding spices can boost the taste of your meatballs. Try some Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes for a kick. Fresh herbs like basil or oregano can also add depth. Using homemade marinara sauce adds a personal touch. However, store-bought sauce can save time and still taste great. Just check the label for quality ingredients. Serve your meatballs over pasta for a classic Italian dish. You can also place them in a crusty roll for a meatball sub. Don’t forget to add marinara sauce on top. For garnishing, sprinkle fresh basil leaves and extra Parmesan cheese. This not only looks great but also adds flavor. A colorful side salad completes the meal nicely. Pro Tips Keep It Juicy: To ensure your meatballs stay juicy, avoid overmixing the meat mixture. Just combine the ingredients until they are evenly mixed. Cheese Surprise: Use different types of cheese for a unique flavor. Try using provolone or gouda for a different twist on the classic mozzarella center. Batch Cooking: Make a double batch and freeze half for quick meals later. Just bake, cool, and freeze the meatballs before simmering them in sauce. Flavor Boost: Add herbs like oregano or thyme to the meat mixture for an extra flavor boost that complements the marinara sauce beautifully. {{image_4}} You can change the meat in these meatballs. Ground turkey or chicken works well. These options make the dish lighter but still tasty. If you want a vegetarian version, lentils or chickpeas are great substitutes. Both offer protein and texture. Just mash them a bit and mix with your spices. The cheese you choose can change the flavor. Mozzarella is classic, but you can try others too. Cheddar or pepper jack will add a nice twist. Flavored cheeses, like garlic or herb, can make your meatballs pop with extra taste. Get creative with what you have on hand! While marinara is delicious, other sauces can be fun too. Pesto gives a fresh taste, or you can use Alfredo for creaminess. These sauces change the whole dish! Serve your meatballs over rice or quinoa for a new base. Mixing things up keeps meals exciting. Once you finish your meal, let the meatballs cool. Place them in a container that seals well. I recommend using glass or BPA-free plastic containers. This helps keep the meatballs fresh. If you have leftover sauce, store it separately. To freeze the meatballs, first, let them cool completely. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. This way, they won’t stick together. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. When you want to use them, take out how many you need. Thaw them overnight in the fridge. Reheat in marinara sauce on low heat until hot. Stuffed mozzarella meatballs can last in the fridge for up to three days. Check for signs of spoilage, like an off smell or discoloration. If you freeze them, they can last about three months. Always label your containers with the date. This helps you keep track of freshness. Enjoy your meatballs while they are still tasty! Yes, you can prepare the meatballs ahead of time. To do this, mix your ingredients and form the meatballs. Place them on a baking sheet and cover with plastic wrap. You can keep them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. If you want to store them longer, freeze the uncooked meatballs. Just remember to thaw them in the fridge before baking. This makes meal prep easy and saves you time. Stuffed mozzarella meatballs pair well with many sides. Here are a few tasty options: - Spaghetti or any pasta - Crusty garlic bread - A fresh green salad - Roasted vegetables - Polenta for a creamy base These sides help create a complete meal, making it even more enjoyable. Yes, grilling is a great option! Grilling gives the meatballs a smoky flavor. To grill, shape the meatballs and place them on skewers. Cook over medium heat until they are brown and cooked through. Just be careful, as they might fall apart if not handled gently. Baking keeps the meatballs juicy and tender, while grilling adds a nice char. When reheating meatballs, you want them to stay moist. The best ways are: - Oven method: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place meatballs in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat for 15-20 minutes. - Stovetop method: Heat marinara sauce in a pan. Add meatballs and warm over low heat for about 10 minutes. Both methods keep the meatballs soft and full of flavor. You now have all the tools to make delicious stuffed mozzarella meatballs. We've covered the essential ingredients, seasonings, and helpful tips. I shared ways to perfect your meatball texture and exciting variations to try. This dish is versatile, so feel free to experiment with different meats and cheeses. Remember, cooking is about enjoyment and creativity. Whether for dinner or a gathering, these meatballs will impress. Get ready to savor every bite, and enjoy the process!

Cheesy Stuffed Mozzarella Meatballs

Delicious meatballs stuffed with gooey mozzarella cheese, served in marinara sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 0.5 pound ground pork (optional; can substitute with additional ground beef or ground turkey)
  • 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
  • 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 0.25 cup fresh parsley, minced
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • to taste Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • for garnish Fresh basil leaves

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef and ground pork (if using), seasoned breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, minced parsley, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, along with salt and pepper. Mix gently with your hands or a spoon until just combined, being careful not to overmix—this will help keep your meatballs tender.
  • Form the Meatballs: Take a generous handful of the meat mixture and shape it into a patty in your palm. Place a mozzarella cube in the center, then fold the meat around the cheese, rolling it into a smooth ball to ensure the cheese is completely enclosed. Repeat this shaping process for the remaining meat mixture.
  • Bake the Meatballs: Arrange the stuffed meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are cooked through and beautifully browned on the outside.
  • Simmer in Marinara: While your meatballs are baking, heat the marinara sauce in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the meatballs are golden and cooked through, carefully transfer them into the skillet with the sauce. Allow them to simmer for 5-10 minutes, stirring gently, to let the flavors meld beautifully.
  • Serve: Plate the cheesy stuffed meatballs over a bed of freshly cooked pasta, or alongside crusty bread. Generously spoon marinara sauce over the meatballs for added flavor and moisture.

Notes

For an elegant finish, garnish with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese before serving. Pair with a vibrant side salad for a complete meal!
Keyword cheesy, Italian, meatballs, mozzarella