Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs
These Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs are a delicious twist on traditional meatballs, filled with gooey cheese that melts beautifully during cooking. Perfect as an appetizer, main course, or party food, these meatballs are sure to impress your family and friends.
Equipment
- 1 mixing bowl
- 1 cooking spoon
- 1 baking sheet
- 1 parchment paper
- 1 oven
- 1 meat thermometer optional
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ pound ground pork
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 8 oz mozzarella cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup marinara sauce (for serving)
- to taste olive oil for drizzling or frying (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, minced garlic, egg, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
- Take a small portion of the meat mixture, about the size of a golf ball, and flatten it in your palm. Place a cube of mozzarella in the center, then fold the meat around the cheese to completely enclose it. Roll it gently to form a smooth ball. Repeat this step until you have used all the meat mixture.
- Place the formed meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly. If desired, drizzle or brush a little olive oil over the top for extra crispiness.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C).
- While the meatballs are baking, heat the marinara sauce in a small saucepan until warm.
- Once cooked, remove the meatballs from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve with warm marinara sauce for dipping or pouring over the meatballs.
Notes
You can substitute ground turkey for a lighter option.
Feel free to add extra herbs or spices to customize the flavor to your liking.
For extra flavor, sear the meatballs in a skillet before baking.
These meatballs can also be frozen for up to three months before cooking. Just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.