Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs Recipe

If you’re craving comfort food with a twist, Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs are here to steal the show! Imagine tender, seasoned beef meatballs hiding pockets of gooey, melty mozzarella in every bite, all simmered gently in rich marinara sauce. Cozy, family-friendly, and irresistibly cheesy, this recipe transforms simple pantry staples into a show-stopping dinner. Whether you’re dressing up a classic pasta night or planning a crowd-pleasing meal, Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs never disappoint.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs couldn’t be simpler, and each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating those juicy, flavor-packed bites. From the bold herbs to the creamy cheese, every item brings something special to the table.

• Ground beef: Use 80/20 for the most tender, juicy meatballs with rich flavor.
• Egg: Helps bind everything together, so your meatballs stay intact and moist.
• Small onion, diced finely: Adds sweetness and a subtle crunch that lifts the filling.
• Garlic cloves, minced: Four cloves give plenty of garlicky depth—don’t skimp!
• Fresh parsley, finely chopped: Adds a bright, herby note that lightens each bite.
• Panko breadcrumbs: Japanese-style breadcrumbs create a tender, airy texture throughout.
• Parmesan cheese: This adds a nutty, salty hit that’s absolutely essential for flavor.
• Fresh mozzarella (4 oz): Cut into cubes; these become the gooey centers of each meatball.
• Olive oil (1–2 tbsp): For searing and ensuring a golden, flavorful crust on the outside.
• Marinara sauce (2 cups): Simmering in sauce keeps everything juicy and savory.
• Dried basil (1/2 tsp): Infuses the mix with classic Italian aroma.
• Dried oregano (1/2 tsp): Rounds out the herb flavor—just a pinch makes a difference.
• Salt (1/2 tsp): Essential for seasoning inside and out.
• Pepper (to taste): For just the right amount of subtle heat.

How to Make Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs

Step 1: Mix the Meatball Base

Grab a large mixing bowl and combine the ground beef, cracked egg, finely diced onion, minced garlic, parsley, Panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, dried basil, oregano, salt, and a generous hit of pepper. Use your hands or a sturdy spoon to mix until everything is just combined. This step is all about evenly distributing those flavors, so you get a perfect mix of herby, savory depth in every bite.

Step 2: Cube the Mozzarella

Take your fresh mozzarella and cut it into 1/2 inch cubes. Aim for consistency, as even pieces ensure melty mozzarella in each bite. These cubes are the secret to that gooey, stretchy center that makes Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs such a standout.

Step 3: Stuff and Shape the Meatballs

With clean hands, scoop roughly 2 tablespoons of the beef mixture. Flatten it gently, nestle a mozzarella cube in the center, and carefully close the meat around it. Roll between your palms to form a smooth ball. Repeat this process for the remaining mixture, yielding about 12 meatballs that eagerly await their cheesy surprise inside.

Step 4: Sear to Golden Perfection

Heat 1–2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs in a single layer, allowing some space between each. Brown the bottoms, flip gently, and brown the other side—this locks in the juices and creates a flavorful crust.

Step 5: Simmer in Marinara Sauce

Once all sides are golden, pour the marinara sauce over the meatballs, ensuring they’re well-coated. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the meatballs simmer for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway. This final simmer not only finishes cooking the meat but also infuses every bite with that vibrant tomato flavor.

How to Serve Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs

Garnishes

When it’s time to serve, sprinkle extra chopped parsley and a flurry of fresh Parmesan over the top. A touch of cracked black pepper and a drizzle of olive oil right before serving can add another layer of flavor and freshness. These easy touches make the Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs pop both visually and in taste.

Side Dishes

This dish begs to be paired with classic spaghetti, but don’t feel limited—garlic bread, creamy polenta, or even sautéed greens like spinach or broccoli rabe all love to soak up the flavorful sauce. For family dinners, I like to set out a big Italian salad alongside, making the whole experience feel like a trattoria night at home.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or game day, try skewering the Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs and serving them as hearty appetizers with toothpicks and a side of extra marinara for dipping. Or, tuck a few inside a toasted hoagie roll with more sauce for an epic meatball sub worthy of any lunchbox or picnic.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After the feast, leftover Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs will keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen as they rest, and the meatballs stay wonderfully tender thanks to the marinara bath.

Freezing

If you want to get ahead, these meatballs freeze like a dream. Let them cool fully, spread on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months—perfect for make-ahead meal magic.

Reheating

To maintain their juicy centers and gooey mozzarella, reheat gently on the stovetop in a covered pan with a splash of marinara until piping hot. You can also microwave, but do so in short bursts to avoid rubbery cheese. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge first for best results.

FAQs

Why did my cheese leak out?

If the filling bursts out, it’s likely that the meat wasn’t fully sealed around the mozzarella. Spend an extra moment making sure the cheese is totally enclosed, and press the seam tightly for best results.

Can I use other meats instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or pork are all delicious in this recipe. Just keep in mind that leaner meats may be a bit drier, so don’t skip the breadcrumbs and cheese for moisture.

What mozzarella should I use?

Fresh mozzarella is ideal for ultra-melty centers, but low-moisture mozzarella works, too. Cut into uniform cubes so each meatball gets a perfect cheesy bite without melting away during cooking.

How do I keep the meatballs from falling apart?

Make sure to mix the base ingredients thoroughly, but avoid overworking the mixture, which can make them tough. The egg and Panko are key binders—don’t skip them!

Can I make Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs ahead?

Yes, you can assemble the stuffed meatballs a day in advance and chill them uncooked, covered tightly. When ready to eat, just sear and simmer as directed for a freshly cooked finish.

Final Thoughts

Trust me: after one bite of these Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs, you’ll find yourself coming back for more. They’re the perfect combination of classic comfort and cheesy indulgence. I hope you’ll try them soon—your family and friends are in for a truly memorable dinner!

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