Melty mozzarella meets savory meatballs in this easy-to-make recipe perfect for a hearty family dinner or cozy night in. Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs bring together the best of gooey cheese and flavorful meat in one bite, making them a crowd-pleaser for both appetizers and main courses. Whether you’re serving friends or craving comfort food, these meatballs will satisfy every craving with their juicy texture and cheesy surprise inside.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cheesy Goodness: Each meatball hides a gooey mozzarella center that melts perfectly during cooking.
Easy Preparation: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe approachable for any skill level.
Versatile Serving Options: Ideal as appetizers, main courses, or party snacks.
Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike love the irresistible combination of meat and cheese.
Customizable Flavors: Easily adapted with herbs, spices, or different meats to suit your palate.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These simple but essential ingredients come together to create meatballs bursting with flavor and texture. Each component plays a role in balancing the savory meat with the creamy mozzarella and fragrant herbs for an unforgettable dish.

Ground beef or pork: Provides a juicy, flavorful base for the meatballs.
Fresh mozzarella balls: The star ingredient that melts inside for cheesy delight.
Bread crumbs: Adds texture and helps bind the meatballs.
Egg: Acts as a natural binder to keep meatballs together.
Garlic and onion: Bring rich, aromatic flavors that deepen the taste.
Parsley and Italian seasoning: Fresh herbs that brighten the overall dish.
Salt and pepper: Essential to enhance and balance all flavors.
Olive oil: For moistening and frying the meatballs to golden perfection.
Marinara sauce (optional): Perfect for dipping or simmering the meatballs for added flavor.

Variations for Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs

Feel free to customize Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs to suit your taste buds or dietary needs. This recipe is a fantastic base for countless variations, making it easy to adapt at any time.

Spicy kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños for heat.
Turkey or chicken: Substitute ground poultry for a lighter option.
Herb swap: Try fresh basil, oregano, or thyme instead of parsley for different flavors.
Cheese alternatives: Use provolone, fontina, or even pepper jack for unique melty cores.
Gluten-free: Replace bread crumbs with almond flour or gluten-free crumbs.

Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs Perfect for Dinner or Appetizers

How to Make Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs

Step 1: Prepare the Meat Mixture

In a large bowl, combine ground meat with bread crumbs, egg, finely chopped garlic, onion, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix everything gently but thoroughly, being careful not to overwork the meat to keep your meatballs tender.

Step 2: Shape the Meatballs

Take a small handful of the meat mixture and flatten it slightly in your palm. Place a fresh mozzarella ball or cube in the center, then carefully fold the meat around the cheese, rolling it into a tight ball. Repeat until all meat mixture is used.

Step 3: Cook the Meatballs

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook, turning occasionally, until they are browned on all sides and cooked through, about 10-12 minutes. Alternatively, bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes.

Step 4: Add Sauce and Simmer (Optional)

If desired, transfer the meatballs to a pot with warm marinara sauce. Let them simmer gently for 10 minutes to blend flavors and keep the meatballs juicy and tender.

Pro Tips for Making Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs

Room temperature cheese: Let mozzarella sit out for a few minutes to melt evenly inside.
Avoid overpacking: Don’t pack meat too tightly to keep a soft texture.
Chill before cooking: Refrigerate shaped meatballs for 15-20 minutes to help them hold their shape during cooking.
Double the cheese: For extra gooey centers, add more mozzarella!
Oil temperature: Ensure the oil is hot before adding meatballs to prevent sticking and promote browning.

How to Serve Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs

Garnishes

Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or basil on top to add color and a burst of herbal freshness that complements the rich meatballs perfect.

Side Dishes

Serve your Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs alongside garlic bread, a crisp green salad, or over a bed of spaghetti for a complete meal bursting with flavor and texture.

Creative Ways to Present

Try skewering a few meatballs for party appetizers or nestle them in slider buns with marinara and basil for delightful mini sandwiches everyone will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftover meatballs in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool them completely before storing to maintain texture.

Freezing

Arrange uncooked or cooked Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can keep well for up to 3 months.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet with a splash of sauce or microwave them covered to retain moisture and prevent drying out.

FAQs

Can I use shredded mozzarella instead of whole balls?

Using shredded mozzarella works, but it may melt out during cooking more easily. Whole balls or cubes provide a better gooey center.

How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out?

Make sure to seal the meat tightly around the mozzarella and chill before cooking for the best results in keeping the cheese inside.

Can I bake these instead of frying?

Absolutely! Baking at 375°F for 20-25 minutes is a great hands-off approach and makes cleanup easier.

Are these meatballs suitable for freezing before cooking?

Yes, freezing before cooking is perfect and can save time. Just cook them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

What dipping sauces go well with Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs?

Marinara is classic, but ranch, spicy arrabbiata, or garlic aioli are delicious alternatives to try.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a recipe that combines juicy, flavorful meat with melty, irresistible cheese, Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs are your new go-to. Perfect for warming up dinner or dazzling guests, they’re simple, versatile, and endlessly tasty—so grab your ingredients and get ready to fall in love with every bite!

Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs

Author: Anna
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes (skillet) or 25 minutes (baking)
Total Time: 40-45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings (about 16 meatballs) 1x
Category: Appetizers
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian-American
Diet: Contains meat and dairy

Print Recipe

Description

Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs combine juicy ground meat with a gooey mozzarella center for a delicious, hearty dish. Easy to prepare and versatile, these meatballs are perfect as appetizers, main courses, or party snacks. With simple ingredients and customizable flavors, they make a family-friendly meal full of cheesy goodness and savory delight.

Instructions

Prepare the Meat Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground meat, bread crumbs, egg, finely chopped garlic, onion, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix gently but thoroughly, being careful not to overwork the meat to keep the meatballs tender.
Shape the Meatballs: Take a small handful of meat mixture and flatten slightly in your palm. Place a fresh mozzarella ball or cube in the center, then carefully fold the meat around the cheese, rolling into a tight ball. Repeat until all mixture is used.
Cook the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs and cook, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 10-12 minutes. Alternatively, bake in preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes.
Add Sauce and Simmer (Optional): Transfer meatballs to a pot with warm marinara sauce. Let simmer gently for 10 minutes to blend flavors and keep meatballs juicy and tender.

Notes

Let mozzarella sit at room temperature for a few minutes to melt evenly inside.
Don’t overpack the meat to maintain a soft texture.
Chill shaped meatballs for 15-20 minutes before cooking to help hold their shape.
For extra gooey centers, double the amount of mozzarella.
Ensure oil is hot before adding meatballs to promote browning and prevent sticking.