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- 1 pound ground beef - 1/2 pound ground pork (or more beef or turkey) - 1 cup breadcrumbs - 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 cups marinara sauce - Fresh basil leaves - Extra Parmesan cheese When I make stuffed mozzarella meatballs, I rely on these key ingredients. The blend of ground beef and pork gives the meatballs a rich flavor. The breadcrumbs add texture, while the mozzarella inside creates a gooey surprise. I love using fresh parsley for a bright taste. Parmesan cheese boosts the flavor, and garlic and onion powders add depth. Marinara sauce ties the dish together and makes it cozy. For garnish, fresh basil leaves look lovely and taste fresh. Extra Parmesan cheese adds a nice touch. Each ingredient plays a role in creating a savory and hearty dish that everyone enjoys. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This heat will help cook the meatballs evenly. While the oven warms up, grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. This step keeps the meatballs from sticking and makes clean-up easy. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 pound of ground beef and 1/2 pound of ground pork, if you choose to use it. Add 1 cup of breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley. Crack in 1 large egg and sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1 teaspoon of onion powder. Don't forget to season with salt and pepper. Mix the ingredients gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. This keeps your meatballs tender and juicy. Now, take a handful of the meat mixture and flatten it in your hand. Place a small cube of mozzarella cheese in the center. Fold the meat around the cheese to form a ball. Make sure the cheese is fully enclosed. This step is important for that melty surprise inside. Repeat this process until you use all the meat mixture. Place the stuffed meatballs on the prepared baking sheet. Slide them into your preheated oven. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You want them to be cooked through and nicely browned on the outside. Use a meat thermometer if you have one; the center should reach 160°F (71°C). While the meatballs bake, heat 2 cups of marinara sauce in a skillet over medium heat. Once the meatballs are done, carefully transfer them to the skillet. Let them simmer in the sauce for about 5 to 10 minutes. This step adds flavor and keeps the meatballs moist. When it’s time to serve, place the cheesy stuffed meatballs over cooked pasta or alongside some crusty bread. Spoon marinara sauce over the top for extra flavor. For a lovely finish, garnish with fresh basil leaves and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Enjoy your hearty meal! To make great meatballs, avoid overmixing the meat. If you mix too much, your meatballs can get tough. Just blend the ingredients until they come together. Using cold ingredients also helps. Keep your meat and eggs in the fridge until you’re ready to mix. Adding herbs and spices can boost the taste of your meatballs. Fresh parsley gives a bright flavor. Garlic powder and onion powder add depth. You can also try adding Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes for extra kick. Experiment with flavors you love! You can bake or fry your meatballs. Baking is simple and lets them cook evenly. Just place them on a baking sheet and pop them in the oven. Frying gives the meatballs a nice crust. If you choose to fry, heat oil in a pan and cook until golden brown. Both methods work well; it just depends on your preference. Pro Tips Choose Your Meat Wisely: Combining ground beef with ground pork adds flavor and moisture. If you prefer a leaner option, ground turkey works well too! Keep Cheese Cold: For the best results, ensure your mozzarella is cold when adding it to the meatballs. This helps the cheese retain its shape during baking. Don’t Overmix: When combining your ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can make the meatballs tough instead of tender! Simmer for Flavor: Letting the meatballs simmer in marinara sauce allows them to absorb the flavors, making for a more delicious dish. Enjoy the extra time for flavor development! {{image_2}} You can swap ground beef for turkey or chicken. These meats are leaner and can taste great. Turkey offers a mild flavor that lets spices shine. Chicken gives a light taste, perfect for those who prefer it. Remember to adjust cooking times, as lean meats cook faster. While mozzarella is classic, other cheeses work well too. Try provolone or gouda for a rich flavor. Cheddar adds a sharp twist. You can even mix cheeses for a fun flavor blend. Just ensure they melt nicely for that gooey center you love. For gluten-free meatballs, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. You can also crush gluten-free crackers as a substitute. For the sauce, look for gluten-free marinara or make your own with fresh tomatoes and herbs. This way, everyone can enjoy your hearty dish! To keep your stuffed mozzarella meatballs fresh, store them properly. First, let the meatballs cool down to room temperature. Then, place them in an airtight container. This prevents moisture loss and keeps them tasty. You can store them in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to enjoy them later, freezing is a great option. Freezing stuffed meatballs is simple. Start by placing them on a baking sheet in a single layer. This way, they won't stick together. Freeze them for about two hours until firm. Once frozen, transfer the meatballs to a freezer-safe bag. Be sure to remove any extra air before sealing. Frozen meatballs will stay good for about three months. When you're ready to eat your meatballs, reheating is key. The oven is a great choice to keep them juicy. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the meatballs on a baking dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes. For a quicker option, you can use the microwave. Just add a splash of marinara sauce to keep them moist. Heat in short bursts, checking frequently to avoid dryness. Enjoy your delicious meal! Yes, you can prepare these meatballs in advance. To meal prep, form the meatballs and place them on a baking sheet. Cover and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours. You can also freeze them. Just freeze the raw meatballs on a tray, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They can last for about three months. When ready to cook, bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. While marinara is a classic choice, there are many sauces you can try. Consider a creamy Alfredo sauce for a rich twist. You could also use a spicy arrabbiata or a tangy barbecue sauce for a change. Each sauce brings out different flavors, making your meal unique. Feel free to experiment with different sauces to find your favorite. To check if the meatballs are done, use a food thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, cut one meatball in half. It should be no longer pink inside, and the juices should run clear. This ensures that they are safe to eat. Yes, baking is a great method! It is easier and less messy than frying. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and place the meatballs on a lined baking sheet. Bake them for 20-25 minutes until they are browned and cooked through. Baking keeps the meatballs tender and lets the cheese melt perfectly inside. In this post, we explored how to make stuffed mozzarella meatballs. You learned about the key ingredients, from ground meats to seasonings. I shared step-by-step instructions for preparing and baking the meatballs, along with tips for perfecting texture and flavor. You also discovered variations for different diets and how to store leftovers. Remember that these meatballs offer lots of room for creativity. Enjoy the cooking process and make them your own!

Cheesy Stuffed Mozzarella Meatballs

Delicious meatballs stuffed with mozzarella cheese, simmered in marinara sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1/2 pound ground pork
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • for garnish Fresh basil leaves

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef and ground pork (if using), breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.
  • Take a handful of the meat mixture and flatten it in the palm of your hand. Place a cube of mozzarella cheese in the center, then fold the meat around the cheese to create a ball shape. Make sure the cheese is fully enclosed. Repeat this process with the remaining mixture.
  • Place the stuffed meatballs on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through and browned on the outside.
  • While the meatballs are baking, heat the marinara sauce in a skillet over medium heat. Once the meatballs are done, carefully transfer them to the skillet and let them simmer in the sauce for about 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
  • Serve the cheesy stuffed meatballs over cooked pasta or alongside crusty bread, spooning some marinara sauce over the top.

Notes

Garnish with fresh basil leaves and extra Parmesan cheese before serving for a beautiful finish. Serve each portion with a side salad for a complete meal!
Keyword cheesy, marinara, meatballs, mozzarella, pasta