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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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