Mozzarella-Stuffed Meatballs Recipe

There’s nothing quite like the joy of biting into a tender, juicy meatball and being met with gooey, molten mozzarella at its core. These Mozzarella-Stuffed Meatballs are the ultimate comfort food, delivering the nostalgic flavors of classic Italian cuisine with a playful, cheesy twist. Best of all, they come together with astonishing speed, making them an absolute lifesaver when you need a satisfying, crowd-pleasing dinner on a busy weeknight. Whether you nestle them over pasta, tuck them into a hoagie roll, or serve them with a simple salad, these meatballs are sure to become a go-to favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Fuss-Free: No fancy equipment or endless steps—these come together easily, from mixing to stuffing to baking.
• Family-Friendly: Cheesy middles are always a hit with kids and adults alike.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Perfect for meal prepping or freezing, so you’ll always have something delicious ready.
• Irresistible Texture and Flavor: Crisp and golden outside, juicy and savory inside, with a gooey mozzarella surprise that never disappoints.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Looking to make dinner memorable without a lot of hassle? Here are the key players and why they matter:

• Lean Ground Beef: The foundation—choose lean for tender but not greasy meatballs.
• Egg: Acts as a binding agent so your meatballs hold together.
• Breadcrumbs: Keep the mixture light and give the perfect bite.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty depth—it’s a must for an authentic touch.
• Minced Garlic: Brings irresistible savoriness to every bite.
• Dried Oregano: That classic Italian herb flavor—you could swap for Italian seasoning if that’s what you have.
• Kosher Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning and balance.
• Mozzarella Cheese: The heart of the recipe—use low-moisture mozzarella for best melting.
• Olive Oil: For browning the meatballs and adding flavor.
• Fresh Parsley: Adds the pop of freshness and a touch of color.

Tip: A quick marinara sauce on the side for dipping or drizzling is always welcome, but you can use your favorite jarred or homemade version.

Variations

If you love flexibility, this recipe’s got you covered:

• Spicy: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the meat mixture or use pepper jack cheese instead of mozzarella for a fiery kick.
• Herby: Mix in fresh basil or chopped chives for extra brightness.
• Turkey or Chicken: Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter take.
• Gluten-Free: Opt for gluten-free breadcrumbs, and the results won’t disappoint.
• Shape and Size: Roll mini meatballs for party appetizers or make them larger for hearty sub sandwiches.

How to Make Mozzarella-Stuffed Meatballs

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Sheet

Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step makes cleanup a breeze and prevents sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Meatball Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything just until blended—overmixing leads to tough meatballs.

Step 3: Form and Stuff the Meatballs

Divide the mixture into 16 roughly equal portions. Flatten each, then nestle a cube of mozzarella in the center. Carefully wrap the meat around the cheese, sealing it in and rolling into a ball. Place each one on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 4: Brown the Meatballs

In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium. Brown the meatballs on all sides, working in batches if you need to avoid overcrowding. This step locks in juicy flavor and creates a golden crust.

Step 5: Bake

Return all meatballs to the baking sheet and pop them into the oven. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, until cooked through.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with chopped parsley just before serving. Serve warm, ideally with a side of marinara for dipping or spooning over pasta.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Seal Tightly: Be sure the meat fully encases the cheese to prevent leaks during baking.
• Chill for Easy Rolling: If your mixture feels sticky, chill it for 15 minutes before shaping.
• Uniform Size: Evenly sized meatballs cook more consistently—use a cookie scoop for help.
• Skip Browning in a Pinch: If strapped for time, you can bake the meatballs straight from the sheet—browning adds extra flavor, but it’s not mandatory.

How to Serve

Mozzarella-Stuffed Meatballs happily fit into all sorts of meals:

• Classic Style: Spoon over spaghetti with marinara.
• Sub Sandwiches: Nestle a few meatballs in a crusty hoagie bun, top with more sauce and extra cheese, then broil until bubbly.
• Appetizer: Serve on toothpicks with warm marinara for dipping.
• Alongside Veggies: Roasted veggies or a crisp Caesar salad make perfect company.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. They’re just as delightful the next day!

Freezing

Let meatballs cool, then freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once solid, transfer them to a freezer bag for up to three months. Tip: Label the bag with the date for easy meal planning.

Reheating

Reheat meatballs in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or gently in the microwave. For best results, cover with foil to keep them moist, and heat with a bit of sauce to prevent drying out.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are great options if you’re looking for a leaner or different flavor profile. Just make sure not to overcook, as they can dry out a bit faster than beef.

What if some cheese leaks out during baking?
Don’t worry—a little melty mozzarella escaping is completely normal and only adds to the crispy edges on the baking sheet. Just make sure to seal the meat tightly around the cheese to minimize this.

Can I prepare these in advance?
Yes! Form the meatballs and refrigerate them—uncooked—for up to a day before you’re ready to brown and bake. This makes dinner come together even faster on busy nights.

Do I have to brown the meatballs before baking?
Browning gives an extra layer of flavor and that irresistible crust, but you can skip this step if you’re in a hurry. Just bake the meatballs an extra couple of minutes, and they’ll still be tasty.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so memorable about a simple, home-cooked meal that surprises you with every bite—and these Mozzarella-Stuffed Meatballs truly deliver. They’re the kind of recipe you’ll find yourself reaching for again and again, whether you’re feeding a crowd or just need a little weeknight magic. So pick up some ground meat, get those cheese cubes ready, and treat yourself to a culinary hug you’ll want to share. Give this recipe a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a staple in your kitchen’s rotation!

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