Description
These Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs are juicy, flavorful, and packed with molten mozzarella cheese in the center. Made with a blend of ground beef, herbs, and cheese, then simmered in a rich marinara sauce, they make a perfect cozy dinner served over pasta or your favorite side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatball Mixture
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 egg
- 1 small onion, diced finely
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup finely chopped parsley
- 1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Pepper, to taste
Mozzarella Filling
- 4 oz fresh mozzarella, cut into 1/2 inch cubes
Cooking
- 1–2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cups marinara sauce
Instructions
- Mix the Meatball Ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, egg, finely diced onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, Panko breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Prepare the Mozzarella Cubes. Cut the fresh mozzarella cheese into about 1/2 inch cubes, which will be stuffed inside each meatball.
- Form and Stuff the Meatballs. Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the meat mixture and flatten it with your fingers. Place a cube of mozzarella in the center, then cover the cheese completely with the meat mixture, rolling it into a smooth ball. Repeat to make 12 meatballs.
- Brown the Meatballs. Heat olive oil in a large non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs and brown them on one side carefully. Flip the meatballs and brown the other side, ensuring a nice golden crust without overcooking.
- Simmer in Marinara Sauce. Once browned on both sides, pour the marinara sauce over the meatballs in the pan. Cover and let them simmer for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through to cook evenly and allow the mozzarella to melt inside.
- Serve and Garnish. Serve the meatballs hot over your favorite pasta, then top with additional fresh parsley and parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your delicious, cheesy stuffed meatballs!
Notes
- Use fresh mozzarella for the best melty center.
- Make sure to fully enclose the mozzarella to prevent it from leaking out during cooking.
- You can use store-bought marinara or homemade sauce for extra flavor.
- These meatballs freeze well; freeze before cooking for quick meals later.
- Feel free to substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-frying and simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 meatballs
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: Mozzarella stuffed meatballs, Italian meatballs, cheesy meatballs, homemade meatballs, marinara meatballs
