Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs Recipe
These Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs are a delicious twist on classic meatballs, featuring a gooey mozzarella cheese center. Baked to perfection and simmered in rich marinara sauce, they’re perfect served over spaghetti for a comforting Italian-inspired meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (about 16 meatballs) 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
Meatball Mixture
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- ¼ cup Italian bread crumbs
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese (pre-grated from the jar)
- ¼ cup yellow onion, minced (about ¼ small onion)
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced (about 2 cloves)
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
Stuffing
- 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, diced into ½ inch pieces
Additional
- Marinara sauce (amount as desired for coating meatballs)
- Spaghetti noodles (quantity according to serving size)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleaning easier.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, Italian bread crumbs, grated parmesan, minced onion, minced garlic, egg, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper until just combined to create a flavorful meatball mixture.
- Shape Meatballs: Take about 1 ½ tablespoons of the meat mixture and flatten it slightly in your hand. Place one piece of diced mozzarella cheese in the center and carefully form the meat around the cheese into a 1-inch diameter ball, ensuring the cheese is fully enclosed.
- Bake Meatballs: Arrange the stuffed meatballs on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, turning halfway through to ensure even cooking and a nicely browned exterior.
- Cook Spaghetti: While the meatballs bake, prepare the spaghetti noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Simmer with Sauce: Once the meatballs are baked, transfer them to a large saucepan or pot containing marinara sauce. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is heated through and the meatballs are thoroughly coated.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve the mozzarella stuffed meatballs topped with the marinara sauce over the cooked spaghetti noodles for a classic, comforting meal.
Notes
- Ensure the mozzarella pieces are fully enclosed in the meatballs to prevent cheese from leaking during baking.
- For a spicier version, add crushed red pepper flakes to the meat mixture or marinara sauce.
- You can substitute lean ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Leftover meatballs can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Use fresh mozzarella if preferred, but pre-diced mozzarella is easier for stuffing.
Keywords: Mozzarella stuffed meatballs, baked meatballs, Italian meatballs, mozzarella cheese, meatball recipe, spaghetti meatballs, family dinner, easy Italian recipe
Find it online: https://thefoodrecipe.com/mozzarella-stuffed-meatballs-recipe/
