Description: These Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs are the epitome of comfort food. Tender, juicy meatballs are packed with a molten mozzarella core, creating a delightful explosion of flavor and texture in every bite. Simmered in a rich marinara sauce, these meatballs are a crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly easy to make. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, they’re guaranteed to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend for optimal flavor and moisture)
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped (Italian flat-leaf parsley is preferred for its robust flavor)
- ½ cup Panko breadcrumbs (these provide a lighter texture than regular breadcrumbs)
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated (freshly grated Parmesan offers the best flavor)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (a blend of oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 8 oz mozzarella cheese, cut into ½-inch cubes (fresh mozzarella or low-moisture mozzarella can be used)
- 2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought, your preference)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for browning the meatballs)
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, beaten egg, chopped parsley, Panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Gently mix all the ingredients together using your hands until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough meatballs. The mixture should be uniform but still slightly loose.
Step 2: Stuff the Meatballs: Take a small amount of the meat mixture (about 2-3 tablespoons) and flatten it slightly in the palm of your hand. Place a mozzarella cube in the center of the flattened meat. Carefully fold the meat around the mozzarella, ensuring that the cheese is completely sealed inside. Gently roll the meat into a smooth, round meatball, making sure there are no cracks or openings where the cheese can escape during cooking. Repeat this process with the remaining meat mixture and mozzarella cubes until you have formed all the meatballs.
Step 3: Brown the Meatballs: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the meatballs in the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Brown the meatballs on all sides, turning them gently with tongs, until they are golden brown and slightly firm. This step is crucial for developing flavor and creating a nice crust on the meatballs. Browning typically takes about 8-10 minutes. If necessary, brown the meatballs in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
Step 4: Simmer in Marinara Sauce: Once the meatballs are browned, remove them from the skillet and set them aside. Pour the marinara sauce into the same skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat. Gently place the browned meatballs back into the skillet with the simmering marinara sauce.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection: Cover the skillet or Dutch oven with a lid and transfer it to a preheated oven. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the mozzarella cheese is melted and gooey. The internal temperature of the meatballs should reach 160°F (71°C).
Step 6: Final Touches and Serving: Remove the skillet from the oven and carefully remove the lid. If desired, sprinkle additional grated Parmesan cheese or shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the meatballs for an extra cheesy touch. Let the meatballs rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the cheese to cool slightly. Serve hot with your favorite pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
These Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs are more than just a meal; they’re an experience. The combination of savory, juicy meat and creamy, melted mozzarella is simply irresistible. What makes this recipe truly special is the surprise element of the molten cheese center. Each bite is a delightful explosion of flavor and texture that will leave you craving more.
The recipe is also incredibly versatile. You can customize the seasonings to your liking, using different herbs, spices, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat. The meatballs can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator or freezer until ready to cook. And, of course, they’re guaranteed to be a hit with both kids and adults.
Serving Suggestions:
- Classic Pasta Dish: Serve the meatballs over your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti, penne, or linguine. Toss the pasta with the marinara sauce and top with the Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
- Meatball Subs: Load toasted hoagie rolls with the meatballs and marinara sauce. Top with shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese and broil until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Mashed Potato Bowl: Create a comforting bowl with creamy mashed potatoes as the base. Top with the Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs and plenty of marinara sauce.
- Appetizer Bites: Serve the meatballs as a party appetizer with toothpicks or small forks. Provide a dipping sauce of marinara or pesto.
- Polenta Perfection: Spoon creamy polenta into bowls and top with the Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs and marinara sauce.
Tips:
- Don’t Overmix the Meat: Overmixing the meat mixture will result in tough meatballs. Mix the ingredients gently until just combined.
- Keep the Cheese Sealed: Ensure that the mozzarella cheese is completely sealed inside the meatballs to prevent it from leaking out during cooking.
- Brown the Meatballs Well: Browning the meatballs on all sides adds flavor and creates a nice crust.
- Use Quality Ingredients: Using high-quality ground beef, fresh herbs, and good Parmesan cheese will enhance the flavor of the meatballs.
- Make Ahead: The meatballs can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking.
- Freeze for Later: Cooked meatballs can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat mixture or marinara sauce for a touch of heat.
- Add Vegetables: Incorporate finely chopped vegetables, such as onions, carrots, or zucchini, into the meat mixture for added nutrients and flavor.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)
- Calories: Approximately 350-450 per serving
- Protein: 25-35 grams per serving
- Sodium: 500-700mg per serving
Conclusion:
Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that combines the comforting flavors of classic Italian cuisine with a fun and surprising twist. The combination of juicy, savory meatballs and molten, creamy mozzarella is simply irresistible. Whether you’re serving them over pasta, in a sub, or as an appetizer, these meatballs are sure to be a hit. So, gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and prepare to enjoy the ultimate comfort dish. You won’t be disappointed!
Questions and Answers about this Recipe:
- Question 1: Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef?
- Answer: Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef in this recipe. However, keep in mind that ground turkey and chicken tend to be drier than ground beef, so you may need to add a little extra moisture to the meat mixture. Consider adding a tablespoon or two of olive oil or milk to help keep the meatballs moist and tender. Also, be sure to cook the meatballs to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are fully cooked.
- Question 2: Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh parsley?
- Answer: While fresh parsley adds a vibrant flavor to the meatballs, you can use dried parsley as a substitute. Use about 1 teaspoon of dried parsley for every ¼ cup of fresh parsley. Keep in mind that dried herbs tend to have a more concentrated flavor than fresh herbs, so you may want to start with a smaller amount and adjust to taste.
- Question 3: Can I make these meatballs ahead of time and freeze them?
- Answer: Absolutely! Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs are a great make-ahead meal. You can either freeze the uncooked meatballs or cook them first and then freeze them. To freeze uncooked meatballs, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze them until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or container. To freeze cooked meatballs, let them cool completely and then transfer them to a freezer bag or container. When you’re ready to use the frozen meatballs, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat them in the marinara sauce until heated through.
- Question 4: What can I do if the mozzarella cheese leaks out of the meatballs during cooking?
- Answer: If the mozzarella cheese leaks out of the meatballs during cooking, it usually means that the cheese was not completely sealed inside the meat. To prevent this, make sure to carefully fold the meat around the mozzarella cube, ensuring that there are no cracks or openings. You can also try chilling the meatballs in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before cooking to help them hold their shape better. If some cheese does leak out, don’t worry too much – it will still add flavor to the sauce!
- Question 5: Can I bake the meatballs without browning them first?
- Answer: While you can technically bake the meatballs without browning them first, I highly recommend browning them for the best flavor and texture. Browning the meatballs creates a delicious crust and adds depth of flavor to the dish. If you’re short on time, you can skip the browning step, but the meatballs will be softer and less flavorful. If you do choose to skip the browning step, bake the meatballs in the marinara sauce for about 30-40 minutes, or until they are cooked through.
