Description

Mozzarella stuffed meatballs combine juicy, tender meat with a molten, gooey mozzarella center that melts with every bite. This recipe uses simple, flavorful ingredients to create perfectly seasoned, moist meatballs that work wonderfully as appetizers, in sandwiches, or alongside pasta. Quick to prepare and versatile, these meatballs are sure to satisfy cheese lovers and meat enthusiasts alike.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatball Mixture

1 lb lean ground beef or a beef and pork blend
1 cup bread crumbs (use gluten-free if needed)
1 large egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
1 tsp Italian seasoning (oregano, basil, thyme blend)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Filling

6 oz fresh mozzarella balls or mozzarella cut into small cubes

For Cooking

2 tbsp olive oil
2 cups marinara sauce (optional, for simmering or serving)

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Instructions

Prepare the Filling: Cut fresh mozzarella into small cubes or use mini mozzarella balls to have ready the gooey cheesy core for each meatball.
Mix the Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground meat, bread crumbs, minced garlic, chopped onion, Italian seasoning, grated Parmesan, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix gently but thoroughly to blend evenly without overworking the meat.
Form the Meatballs: Take a small handful of meat mixture, flatten slightly in your palm, place a piece of mozzarella in the center, then carefully mold the meat around the cheese, sealing it completely. Repeat until all mixture is used.
Brown the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place meatballs carefully in the skillet and cook 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown, turning gently to brown all sides without breaking them.
Simmer in Sauce (Optional): Transfer browned meatballs to warm marinara sauce, cover, and simmer on low for 15-20 minutes until cooked through and cheese is melted inside.

Notes

Don’t overmix the meat to keep meatballs tender and avoid toughness.
Seal the mozzarella well inside the meatballs to prevent cheese leakage while cooking.
Use fresh mozzarella for the creamiest, best melting center.
Brown meatballs before simmering to lock in juices and add flavor.
Cook one test meatball first to check seasoning and adjust as necessary.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Appetizers
Method: Searing and Simmering
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 4 meatballs
Calories: 320
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 520mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 11g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 23g
Cholesterol: 95mg