Juicy Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs Recipe: Homemade Comfort

Juicy and irresistible mozzarella stuffed meatballs pack a flavor punch that will make your dinner table buzz with excitement.

Melted cheese hidden inside tender meat creates pure culinary magic.

Beef blends perfectly with herbs and spices for an unforgettable meal.

Each bite promises a delightful surprise as warm cheese oozes out.

Home cooks can master this simple yet impressive dish with just a few ingredients.

Comfort food reaches new heights when you combine classic techniques with creative twists.

Trust me, these meatballs will become your new favorite weeknight dinner solution.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of ground meat?

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

• How do I prevent the mozzarella from leaking out?

Seal the meatballs carefully by completely covering the cheese cube with meat mixture. Chilling the meatballs for 15 minutes before cooking can help them hold their shape better.

• Is it possible to make these meatballs ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs and refrigerate them uncooked for up to 24 hours. Alternatively, you can freeze them for up to 3 months before cooking.

Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs That Wow

• Craft Cheesy Delights: Surprise your family with mozzarella hidden inside juicy meatballs, creating an exciting burst of flavor that will make everyone smile.
• Simplify Meal Prep: Combine ingredients quickly in one bowl, then shape meatballs effortlessly without complicated techniques, perfect for busy home cooks.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Serve as a hearty main dish with pasta, share as a crowd-favorite appetizer at gatherings, or enjoy as a protein-packed meal that appeals to all ages.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ground meats, experiment with different cheeses, or adjust seasonings to match your taste preferences and make the recipe uniquely yours.

Ingredients for Stuffed Mozzarella Meatballs

• Ground Beef: A flavorful base that provides richness and depth to the meatballs.
• Ground Pork: Adds extra moisture and enhances the overall meat texture.

• Mozzarella: Creates a delicious melty center that oozes out when the meatball is cut.

• Breadcrumbs, Eggs, Parmesan Cheese: Help bind the meat mixture together and add extra flavor and texture.

• Garlic, Parsley, Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: Provide aromatic and savory notes that complement the meat.

• Olive Oil, Marinara Sauce: Help with browning the meatballs and adding moisture and additional flavor during cooking.

How to Make Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs

Step 1: Warm Up The Cooking Space

Crank the oven to a toasty 375F (190C) and get ready for a flavor explosion.

Step 2: Create Meat Magic

• Ground beef
• Ground pork
• Breadcrumbs
• Parmesan cheese
• Eggs
• Minced garlic
• Chopped parsley
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper

Blend everything together until the mixture looks perfectly unified and smooth.

Step 3: Craft Cheesy Treasure Balls

Grab small handfuls of the meat mixture and gently flatten each portion. Nestle a hidden cube of mozzarella right in the center, then lovingly wrap the meat around the cheese, forming beautiful round meatballs.

Continue this process until all the meat mixture transforms into delightful cheese-filled spheres.

Step 4: Sizzle And Brown

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

Carefully place the meatballs into the pan, rotating them to achieve a gorgeous golden-brown exterior on all sides.

Step 5: Bake With Saucy Love

Generously pour marinara sauce over the browned meatballs.

Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, ensuring the meatballs are completely cooked through.

Step 6: Serve And Celebrate

Pull out these mouthwatering meatballs and serve them piping hot.

Pair with pasta, crusty bread, or enjoy as a crowd-pleasing appetizer that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Tips for Perfectly Stuffed Meatballs

• Opt for freshly grated Parmesan cheese to enhance the flavor profile and melt more smoothly into the meat mixture.
• Chill the mozzarella cubes before stuffing to prevent cheese from leaking during cooking and ensure a perfect molten center.
• Test the internal temperature of meatballs with a meat thermometer, aiming for 160F to guarantee safe and fully cooked meat.
• Experiment with lean ground meats like turkey or chicken for a healthier alternative without compromising texture and taste.
• Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this recipe suitable for individuals with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.

Flavor Twists for Mozzarella Meatballs to Try

• Keto-Friendly Meatballs: Replace breadcrumbs with almond flour, use ground turkey instead of beef and pork, and choose a low-carb marinara sauce.
• Vegetarian Cheese Balls: Swap meat with plant-based ground meat or a mixture of lentils and mushrooms, using egg replacer for binding.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed pork rinds, ensuring all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Spicy Mexican Variation: Add chopped jalapeños, use pepper jack cheese instead of mozzarella, and mix in chili powder and cumin for a zesty flavor profile.

What to Serve with Stuffed Meatballs

• Cheesy Game Night Delight: Serve these meatballs as a crowd-pleasing appetizer during movie or sports gatherings, using toothpicks for easy picking and dipping.
• Pasta Party Centerpiece: Nestle the mozzarella-stuffed meatballs atop a bed of spaghetti or linguine, drizzling extra marinara sauce for a hearty dinner that feels like comfort food.
• Sandwich Star Transform: Create delicious meatball subs by slicing the meatballs in half and tucking them into crusty Italian bread, adding melted provolone for extra gooey goodness.
• Meal Prep Champion: Prepare a big batch and store in meal prep containers for quick lunches, pairing with salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced and satisfying midweek meal.

Storage Tips to Keep Meatballs Fresh

• Store meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and flavor.
• Freeze cooked meatballs in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag for maximum 3 months, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Reheat refrigerated meatballs in microwave: Place on microwave-safe plate, cover with damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until warm throughout, stirring midway.
• Warm frozen meatballs in oven: Thaw overnight in refrigerator, spread on baking sheet, cover with foil, and bake at 350F for 15-20 minutes until heated completely, ensuring cheese stays melty and meat remains juicy.

Juicy Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs Recipe

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4.8 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Savory mozzarella stuffed meatballs deliver Italian comfort straight to dinner tables. Hearty protein-packed bites combine ground beef, cheese, and herbs for a satisfying meal you’ll crave repeatedly.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef
• 1 pound (1 lb) ground pork
• 12 ounces (12 oz) mozzarella cheese, cubed

Binding and Flavor Enhancers:

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

Cooking and Serving:

• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven, heating to 375F (190C) for optimal cooking environment.
2. In a spacious mixing vessel, thoroughly blend ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, eggs, minced garlic, chopped parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Create individual portions by grasping a small amount of meat mixture, gently flattening it into a disc, and positioning a mozzarella cube at the center.
4. Carefully encase the cheese completely with the meat, rolling and shaping into uniform spherical meatballs, ensuring no cheese is exposed.
5. Warm olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat, strategically rotating meatballs to achieve a golden-brown exterior on all surfaces.
6. Generously cascade marinara sauce over the browned meatballs, ensuring complete coverage.
7. Transfer skillet to preheated oven and roast for 20-25 minutes, confirming internal temperature reaches safe cooking point and cheese remains molten.
8. Remove from oven and allow brief resting period before presenting alongside preferred accompaniments like pasta, crusty bread, or as a standalone appetizer.

Notes

• Customize the meat blend by substituting ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option that still delivers rich flavor.
• Chill the mozzarella cubes before wrapping to prevent cheese from melting too quickly during initial forming of meatballs.
• Use fresh breadcrumbs instead of store-bought for a lighter, more tender texture that absorbs seasonings better.
• Keep meatball size consistent by using a small ice cream scoop or measuring spoon to ensure even cooking and professional presentation.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 452 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 475 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg