If you’re looking for a dish that perfectly balances comfort and flavor, look no further than Stuffed Meatballs with Mozzarella Cheese. These delightful meatballs are the epitome of indulgence, featuring juicy ground beef enveloping a melty, gooey mozzarella core. They are not only incredibly satisfying but also versatile enough to cater to various occasions—from a cozy weeknight dinner to a crowd-pleasing appetizer at your next gathering. You can serve them over luscious pasta, stuff them into a toasted sub, or enjoy them with crispy garlic bread on the side for that extra touch of flavor.
With a preparation time of just 40 minutes and a yield of four hearty servings, this recipe is perfect for families or anyone who appreciates the comforting nature of home-cooked meals. Stuffed Meatballs with Mozzarella Cheese are also a brilliant choice for make-ahead meals; you can prepare and freeze them for a quick dinner option later. Packed with protein and flavor, each bite will leave you coming back for more. Dive into the kitchen, and let’s whip up this cheesy sensation!
Why You’ll Love This Stuffed Meatballs with Mozzarella Cheese
- Ultimate Comfort Food: These meatballs are a perfect combination of savory flavors and rich textures, making them a dish everyone will enjoy.
- Cheesy Goodness: With gooey mozzarella cheese at the center of each meatball, every bite bursts with cheesy delight.
- Versatile Dish: Serve them with pasta, in a sandwich, or on their own with sauce for a flexible meal.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: These meatballs can be prepped in advance and frozen, providing a quick and delicious meal option.
- Kid-Friendly: This recipe is sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike, making dinnertime fun.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before you dive into making these delicious stuffed meatballs, it’s important to prepare your kitchen and gather the necessary tools. Start with a clean and spacious workspace to ensure you have enough room to work. You’ll need a large mixing bowl for combining the meat mixture as well as a cutting board and knife for chopping the onions and parsley. Having a skillet ready for browning the meatballs is also crucial; opt for a non-stick skillet for easier cooking and cleanup.
Additionally, a set of measuring cups and spoons will help you accurately incorporate your ingredients. The key to achieving the best results with these meatballs is to keep your mozzarella cheese cold until you are ready to use it. This prevents it from melting prematurely while you’re mixing and forming the meatballs. Lastly, remember to have your marinara sauce handy for the final cooking stage to ensure every meatball is perfectly coated and flavorful.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 4 ounces mozzarella cheese, cut into ½-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups marinara sauce
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cheese
Start by cutting the mozzarella into ½-inch cubes. It’s essential to keep the cheese cold, so place the cubed mozzarella in the fridge while you prepare the other ingredients. This will help maintain its shape and texture when it’s time to stuff the meatballs.
Step 2: Mix the Meatball Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, Italian-style breadcrumbs, the beaten egg, minced garlic, finely chopped onion, fresh parsley, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to gently mix everything until just combined—be careful not to overwork the meat, as that can lead to tough meatballs.
Step 3: Form the Meatballs
Take a scoop of the meat mixture and flatten it in your palm. Place a mozzarella cube in the center and carefully fold the meat around the cheese, sealing it tightly to encase the mozzarella completely. Roll it between your hands until it forms a smooth ball. Repeat this process until all the mixture has been used, ensuring that each meatball has a gooey cheese center.
Step 4: Cook the Meatballs
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the meatballs to the pan, spacing them out to ensure even cooking. Brown the meatballs on all sides, which should take about 6 to 8 minutes in total. This step is crucial as it gives the meatballs a nice crust and enhances their flavor.
Step 5: Add the Marinara Sauce
Once the meatballs are browned, carefully pour the marinara sauce over them in the skillet. Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low, allowing the meatballs to simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. During this time, the meatballs will cook through and the mozzarella cheese will melt, providing that signature gooey texture you’re aiming for.
Step 6: Let Rest Before Serving
After cooking, remove the skillet from heat and let the meatballs rest for about 5 minutes. This resting period helps the juices redistribute throughout the meatballs and ensures they stay juicy when served.
Variations
- Protein: For a lighter option, consider using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. They still offer great flavor while being lower in fat.
- Vegetables: Add finely chopped spinach or bell peppers to the meat mixture for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Spices: Experiment with different herbs and spices, such as Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes for heat, or even a dash of Worcestershire sauce for added depth.
Cooking Notes
- Ensure the meatballs are uniform in size for even cooking.
- If you prefer a saucier dish, feel free to add more marinara sauce while simmering.
- For a crispy texture, you can slightly bake the meatballs in the oven after browning them in the skillet.
- These meatballs can also be made in a slow cooker; simply prepare the sauce as indicated and add the meatballs for slow cooking.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve them over a bed of spaghetti drizzled with extra marinara sauce.
- Place the meatballs in a sub roll, top with marinara and cheese, and broil until the cheese melts for a delicious meatball sub.
Tips
- Chilling the meat mixture for about 30 minutes before forming the meatballs can help them hold their shape better.
- For enhanced flavor, allow the meatballs to marinate in the fridge for a couple of hours before cooking.
- Experiment with different types of cheese; try pepper Jack or provolone for a flavor twist.
- Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days, or freeze them for future meals.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 350 per serving
- Protein: 25 grams
- Sodium: 600 mg
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, such as provolone or cheddar, for unique flavors.
How do I know when the meatballs are done?
Meatballs are cooked through when they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) or when they are no longer pink in the center.
Can I freeze the meatballs before cooking?
Absolutely! You can freeze the uncooked meatballs for up to three months. Just be sure to separate them with parchment paper before sealing them in a freezer bag.
What can I serve with these meatballs?
These meatballs pair perfectly with pasta, sub rolls, or even on a bed of mashed potatoes or cauliflower rice.
Conclusion
Stuffed Meatballs with Mozzarella Cheese transform an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary experience. With their perfect blend of flavors and the delightful surprise of melting cheese, they are bound to become a staple in your household. Whether you whip them up for a family meal or serve them at a gathering with friends, they are sure to impress. Don’t hesitate to get creative with your ingredients and customize the recipe to suit your tastes. Join the conversation and let us know how your version turned out—we’d love to hear from you!
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Stuffed Meatballs with Mozzarella Cheese
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
If you’re looking for a dish that perfectly balances comfort and flavor, look no further than Stuffed Meatballs with Mozzarella Cheese.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 4 ounces mozzarella cheese, cut into ½-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups marinara sauce
Instructions
- Start by cutting the mozzarella into ½-inch cubes. It’s essential to keep the cheese cold, so place the cubed mozzarella in the fridge while you prepare the other ingredients.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, Italian-style breadcrumbs, the beaten egg, minced garlic, finely chopped onion, fresh parsley, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to gently mix everything until just combined—be careful not to overwork the meat, as that can lead to tough meatballs.
- Take a scoop of the meat mixture and flatten it in your palm. Place a mozzarella cube in the center and carefully fold the meat around the cheese, sealing it tightly to encase the mozzarella completely. Roll it between your hands until it forms a smooth ball.
- Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the meatballs to the pan, spacing them out to ensure even cooking. Brown the meatballs on all sides, which should take about 6 to 8 minutes in total.
- Once the meatballs are browned, carefully pour the marinara sauce over them in the skillet. Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low, allowing the meatballs to simmer for 15 to 20 minutes.
- After cooking, remove the skillet from heat and let the meatballs rest for about 5 minutes.
Notes
Ensure the meatballs are uniform in size for even cooking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Protein: 25 g