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.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatball Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or pork
- 4 oz fresh mozzarella balls (whole or cubed)
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Optional Sauce
- 1 cup marinara sauce (for dipping or simmering)
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.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 meatballs (approx. 150g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: mozzarella stuffed meatballs, cheesy meatballs, stuffed meatballs recipe, Italian meatballs, appetizer meatballs