Juicy Homemade Mozzarella Meatballs Recipe: Cheesy Comfort Joy

Succulent mozzarella meatballs burst with flavor that will make your dinner table come alive.

Juicy ground beef mingles with creamy cheese in a classic comfort dish.

Each bite promises a delightful surprise of melted goodness inside.

Mediterranean herbs and spices add depth to these irresistible spheres of deliciousness.

Perfectly seasoned and golden-brown, these meatballs blend Italian tradition with home-style cooking.

Crafted with simple ingredients, they offer a quick and satisfying meal everyone will love.

You can easily recreate this restaurant-quality dish in your own kitchen.

Grab a fork and get ready to experience pure culinary magic!

Ideal Pairings for Cheesy Meatballs

• Select a Bold Red Wine: Opt for a robust Chianti or Sangiovese that complements the rich meat and melty mozzarella, cutting through the savory flavors with its tannic structure.
• Create a Fresh Salad Companion: Toss together a crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, which provides a bright, zesty contrast to the hearty meatballs and cleanses the palate between bites.
• Serve with Crusty Garlic Bread: Prepare warm, buttery garlic bread to soak up the marinara sauce, adding a delightful textural element and extra flavor that enhances the overall dining experience.
• Match with Herbal Craft Beer: Choose an Italian-style amber ale or hoppy pale ale that brings out the herbs in the meatballs and cuts through the richness of the cheese and meat.

Ways to Switch Up the Filling or Sauce

• Vegetarian Mozzarella Balls: Replace ground meat with plant-based protein like lentils, quinoa, or vegetarian ground meat. Use egg substitute or binding agent for cohesion.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap traditional breadcrumbs with almond flour, crushed pork rinds, or gluten-free breadcrumbs. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Low-Carb Keto Version: Use ground chicken or turkey instead of beef. Replace breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond flour. Skip pasta and serve over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute mozzarella with dairy-free cheese alternatives made from nuts or soy. Use nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor if needed.

FAQs

• How do I prevent the mozzarella from leaking out during cooking?

Seal the meatballs tightly by completely encasing the cheese, ensuring no gaps. Chill the formed meatballs for 15-20 minutes before cooking to help them hold their shape.

• Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or pork. Just ensure the meat has enough fat content to keep the meatballs moist and flavorful.

• Is it necessary to use fresh breadcrumbs?

Fresh breadcrumbs work best, but you can use store-bought breadcrumbs. If using dried breadcrumbs, reduce the quantity slightly to prevent dry meatballs.

• How can I tell if the meatballs are fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Ground meat should reach 160°F (71°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked and safe to eat.

Gooey Goodness of Mozzarella Meatballs

• Discover the excitement of cutting into a meatball to reveal a gooey, melted mozzarella center that creates a delightful flavor explosion.
• Enjoy these mozzarella-stuffed meatballs multiple ways – tossed with pasta, stuffed in a sub, or served as a crowd-pleasing appetizer that keeps everyone coming back for more.
• Win over picky eaters with these cheesy meatballs that combine the classic flavors of marinara sauce and melted cheese in one irresistible bite.

Ingredients for Mozzarella-Stuffed Meatballs

• Ground Meat: The main protein base that provides a hearty and flavorful foundation for the meatballs.
• Egg: Helps bind the meatball mixture and ensures a tender texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a rich, savory flavor to the meatball mixture.

• Mozzarella: Creates a delicious molten cheese center that melts beautifully inside each meatball.

• Parsley, Garlic, Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: Provide a robust and aromatic flavor profile to enhance the meatballs.

• Breadcrumbs: Helps to hold the meatball mixture together and adds a light, tender texture.

• Olive Oil: Used for browning the meatballs and creating a golden exterior.
• Marinara Sauce: Adds moisture and a classic Italian flavor to the finished meatballs.

• Fresh Basil: Offers a bright, fresh finish to the dish.

Steps to Make Mozzarella Meatballs with Ease

Step 1: Whip Up Meatball Base

Grab a spacious mixing bowl and toss in ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, minced garlic, beaten egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

Gently fold and blend ingredients until just combined, keeping the texture light and tender.

Step 2: Create Cheesy Meatball Centers

Scoop small portions of meat mixture and flatten in your palm.

Place a soft mozzarella cube right in the middle, then carefully wrap meat around the cheese, ensuring a complete seal.

Roll into perfect round balls and arrange on a clean baking sheet.

Step 3: Sizzle and Brown Meatballs

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium flame.

Carefully place meatballs into the pan, avoiding overcrowding.

Cook for 5-7 minutes, rotating occasionally to achieve a golden-brown exterior on all sides.

Step 4: Bathe in Marinara Magic

Pour marinara sauce over browned meatballs, allowing them to simmer gently.

Reduce heat to low and let the meatballs cook for 15-20 minutes until fully cooked through, absorbing the rich tomato flavors.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Optional: Sprinkle fresh basil leaves on top for extra aroma.

Serve alongside pasta, stuff into a crusty sub, or present as a crowd-pleasing appetizer with toothpicks.

Tips for Melty Centers and Crispy Edges

• Ensure mozzarella is fully sealed inside the meat to prevent cheese from leaking during cooking.
• Handle meat mixture with light touch to keep meatballs tender and prevent tough texture.
• Brown meatballs in batches to maintain even heat and achieve perfect golden-brown exterior.
• Low and slow simmering helps meatballs absorb marinara flavor while ensuring even cooking throughout.
• Prepare meatballs in advance and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, allowing flavors to develop and enhancing overall taste.

Best Way to Store Mozzarella Meatballs

• Store cooled meatballs in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Ensure they're completely covered with marinara sauce to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
• Place meatballs in freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Properly sealed, they'll stay fresh for 2-3 months. Label with the date to track storage time.
• Transfer desired portion to a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent moisture loss. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed.
• Warm meatballs in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of marinara sauce to prevent sticking and restore tenderness. Stir gently until heated evenly, about 5-7 minutes.

Mozzarella Meatballs Recipe

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4.7 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent mozzarella meatballs bring Italian comfort straight to your dinner table with melted cheese surprise inside. Hearty and simple, these protein-packed spheres deliver rich flavor and creamy texture that comfort seekers will absolutely adore.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meatball Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
• 8 ounces (226 grams) mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes
• 1 large egg

Binding and Flavor Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Cooking and Garnish Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Gather all ingredients and prepare a spacious mixing vessel. Blend ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, parsley, garlic, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until just incorporated. Gentle mixing prevents tough texture.
2. Create uniform meatballs by dividing meat mixture into equal portions. Gently flatten each portion, nestle a mozzarella cube in the center, and carefully encase cheese completely. Roll into smooth spheres, ensuring no cheese exposure.
3. Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat (around 350°F). Carefully place meatballs, maintaining adequate spacing to prevent steaming. Rotate periodically, achieving a golden-brown exterior for approximately 5-6 minutes.
4. Pour marinara sauce around browned meatballs, reducing heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing meatballs to cook thoroughly and absorb sauce flavors. Internal temperature should reach 160°F.
5. Transfer meatballs to serving platter. Optional: Sprinkle fresh basil for aromatic enhancement. Ideal accompaniments include pasta, crusty bread, or as standalone appetizer with toothpicks.

Notes

• Prevent tough meatballs by handling the meat mixture gently and mixing just until ingredients are combined, which keeps the texture light and tender.
• Ensure mozzarella stays inside by completely sealing the meat around the cheese cube, using gentle pressure to prevent cheese leakage during cooking.
• Create gluten-free version by substituting breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs, maintaining the same binding properties without wheat ingredients.
• Boost nutrition by using lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, which reduces fat content while keeping the meatballs flavorful and protein-rich.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 570
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 130 mg