Juicy Mozzarella-Stuffed Meatballs: Cheesy Dream Recipe

Succulent mozzarella-stuffed meatballs promise an explosion of flavor that’ll make dinner feel like a celebration.

Italian comfort food takes center stage with these irresistible bites.

Melted cheese oozes from perfectly seasoned meat, creating a mouthwatering experience.

Each tender morsel brings together classic ingredients in a surprisingly delightful way.

Rich, savory notes dance with creamy cheese, making every bite unforgettable.

Unexpected textures and bold flavors will have everyone asking for seconds.

Come hungry and leave impressed by this simple yet spectacular dish.

Best Sides for Mozzarella-Stuffed Meatballs

• Pair Perfectly with Rich Red Wines: Robust Italian reds like Chianti or Sangiovese complement the meaty, cheesy flavors with their bold tannic structure and fruity undertones.
• Create Carb Companions: Serve alongside garlic bread, creamy polenta, or al dente spaghetti to soak up the delicious tomato sauce and provide textural contrast.
• Enhance with Fresh Herb Accents: Sprinkle chopped fresh basil, parsley, or oregano on top to brighten the dish and add a layer of aromatic freshness that cuts through the richness of the meatballs.
• Match with Crisp Side Salads: Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the heaviness of the cheese-stuffed meatballs and provide a refreshing palate cleanser between bites.

Creative Twists on Mozzarella Meatballs

• Gluten-Free Mozzarella Meatballs: Replace breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the same delicious texture.
• Vegetarian Cheese Balls: Swap ground beef with plant-based ground meat alternatives like Beyond Meat or use a mixture of lentils, mushrooms, and quinoa for a protein-packed vegetarian option.
• Low-Carb Keto Meatballs: Use ground pork or turkey instead of beef, eliminate breadcrumbs, and add extra Parmesan cheese to boost fat content and reduce carbohydrates.
• Turkey Lighter Meatballs: Substitute ground beef with lean ground turkey for a lower-fat version that still delivers incredible flavor and cheesy goodness.

FAQs

• Why do I need to brown the meatballs before baking?

Browning creates a delicious caramelized exterior that locks in flavor and helps develop a rich, golden-brown crust. This step adds depth and texture to your meatballs before they finish cooking in the oven.

• Can I use a different type of cheese instead of mozzarella?

Absolutely! While mozzarella provides a classic melty center, you can experiment with other cheeses like provolone, cheddar, or even pepper jack for a unique twist. Just ensure the cheese melts well and complements the meat.

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

Make sure to completely seal the mozzarella inside the meat, with no exposed cheese. Use cold cheese cubes and handle the meatballs gently when shaping to minimize the risk of cheese escaping during cooking.

• Is it essential to use both ground beef and breadcrumbs?

Breadcrumbs help bind the meat mixture and keep the meatballs tender and moist. They also add a light texture and prevent the meatballs from becoming too dense. If needed, you can substitute with ground oats or almond flour for a gluten-free option.

Mozzarella-Stuffed Meatballs Cheesy Marvel

• Discover the joy of biting into a meatball and finding a melty mozzarella center that oozes with every slice.
• Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or game day gatherings where everyone craves something deliciously comforting and satisfying.
• Adaptable recipe allows you to swap ground beef with turkey or chicken, making it versatile for different dietary preferences and taste buds.
• Simple steps and minimal ingredients mean you can whip up these cheesy meatballs without spending hours in the kitchen, ideal for busy home cooks seeking a tasty meal.

Key Ingredients for Mozzarella Meatballs

• Ground Beef: A rich and flavorful base that provides the primary structure for the meatballs.

• Mozzarella: A soft white cheese that creates a delightful melty center in each meatball.
• Parmesan: Adds a sharp and salty depth of flavor to the meatball mixture.

• Egg: Helps bind the meatball ingredients together and provides moisture.
• Breadcrumbs: Creates a tender texture and helps hold the meatballs together.

• Garlic: Offers a pungent and aromatic flavor to the meatball mixture.
• Oregano, Basil: Provide classic Italian herb notes and enhance the overall taste profile.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and highlight the other ingredients.

• Crushed Tomatoes: Forms the base of the classic tomato sauce.
• Basil: Adds fresh herbal notes to the sauce.
• Garlic, Salt, Pepper: Seasonings that elevate the tomato sauce flavor.

• Olive Oil: Used for browning the meatballs and adding a subtle richness.

How to Make Mozzarella-Stuffed Meatballs

Step 1: Mix Meatball Ingredients

• Ground beef
• Egg
• Breadcrumbs
• Parmesan cheese
• Minced garlic
• Dried oregano
• Fresh basil
• Salt
• Black pepper

Gently mix the ingredients using your hands until just combined.

Avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender and juicy.

Step 2: Create Cheese-Filled Centers

Take a small portion of the meat mixture and flatten it in your palm.

Place a small cube of mozzarella cheese in the center.

Carefully wrap the meat around the cheese, making sure it’s completely sealed.

Roll into a perfect round ball.

Repeat this process with the remaining meat mixture.

Step 3: Brown the Meatballs

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Carefully place meatballs in the pan, working in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Brown the meatballs on all sides for 5-7 minutes, creating a delicious golden crust that locks in flavor.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

Transfer the browned meatballs to a baking sheet.

Bake for 15-20 minutes until they’re fully cooked through.

Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Step 5: Prepare Optional Tomato Sauce

• Crushed tomatoes
• Minced garlic
• Fresh basil
• Salt
• Black pepper

Cook on low heat, stirring occasionally.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Place the mozzarella-stuffed meatballs on a serving plate.

Pour warm tomato sauce over them or serve on the side.

Sprinkle fresh chopped basil or parsley on top for a burst of color and extra flavor.

Enjoy your cheesy, mouth-watering meatballs!

Tips for Juicy, Cheesy Meatballs

• Mix ground beef gently to prevent tough, dense meatballs by avoiding overmixing the ingredients.
• Completely seal mozzarella inside the meat mixture, ensuring no gaps to stop cheese from melting out during cooking.
• Brown meatballs in batches without overcrowding the skillet to achieve a perfect golden-brown exterior and develop rich flavor.
• Use a meat thermometer to confirm meatballs reach 165F/74C for safe and perfectly cooked results.
• Sprinkle fresh herbs like basil or parsley just before serving to add brightness and aromatic freshness to the dish.

Storing and Reheating Stuffed Meatballs

• Seal meatballs in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep them separate from sauce to maintain their crispy exterior.
• Wrap cooled meatballs individually in plastic wrap, place in a freezer-safe bag, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label the bag with the date for easy tracking.
• Place meatballs on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through. Stir or rotate halfway to ensure even heating.
• Arrange meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm at 350F for 10-15 minutes until heated completely. Add a splash of sauce to keep them moist.

Mozzarella-Stuffed Meatballs Recipe

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4.7 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty Italian mozzarella-stuffed meatballs blend savory ground beef with gooey cheese centers, creating a delightful twist on classic comfort food. Serve these irresistible morsels over pasta or enjoy as a crowd-pleasing appetizer that brings warmth to your table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Protein:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef
• 1 large egg
• 4 oz (115g) fresh mozzarella, cut into 1-inch cubes

Dry Ingredients and Seasonings:

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Sauce and Cooking Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the culinary workspace by heating the oven to 375F (190C), creating an ideal cooking environment for these savory spheres.
2. Craft the meat mixture by gently combining ground beef with egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper, ensuring minimal handling to maintain tenderness.
3. Transform the meat mixture into delectable parcels by flattening small portions, nestling a mozzarella cube at the center, and carefully enveloping the cheese within the meat, creating smooth, sealed orbs.
4. Develop rich flavor profiles by searing the meatballs in a skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat, rotating to achieve a golden-brown exterior across all surfaces, working in batches to prevent overcrowding.
5. Complete the cooking process by transferring the seared meatballs to a baking sheet, roasting in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until reaching an internal temperature of 165F (74C), guaranteeing thoroughly cooked protein.
6. Elevate the dish by accompanying the mozzarella-infused meatballs with a vibrant tomato sauce, alternatively allowing the cheese-stuffed delicacies to shine independently, and garnishing with fresh herbs for a burst of aromatic freshness.

Notes

• Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and keep the meatballs lighter and healthier.
• Choose fresh mozzarella cubes for maximum melting and gooey cheese pull when biting into the meatballs.
• Chill the mozzarella cubes before stuffing to help them maintain shape and prevent quick melting during cooking.
• Use a meat thermometer to accurately check internal temperature and ensure perfect doneness without overcooking.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 100mg