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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Prepare the oven, heating to 375F (190C) for optimal cooking environment.
- 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.
- 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.
- Carefully encase the cheese completely with the meat, rolling and shaping into uniform spherical meatballs, ensuring no cheese is exposed.
- Warm olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat, strategically rotating meatballs to achieve a golden-brown exterior on all surfaces.
- Generously cascade marinara sauce over the browned meatballs, ensuring complete coverage.
- Transfer skillet to preheated oven and roast for 20-25 minutes, confirming internal temperature reaches safe cooking point and cheese remains molten.
- 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