Irresistibly Juicy Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs Recipe You’ll Love

Mozzarella-stuffed meatballs offer a tasty twist on the beloved comfort food that can enhance any meal.

These juicy balls of seasoned meat hide a center of melted cheese, offering an exciting surprise with every bite.

People who love cooking and food enthusiasts can enjoy how the savory flavors mix with the creamy mozzarella.

The dish involves wrapping seasoned ground meat around soft cheese to create something hearty and indulgent.

When cooked just right, these meatballs get a lovely golden-brown crust while staying moist and tender inside.

This dish turns an everyday dinner into something special that everyone will remember fondly.

Why Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs Recipe Wins Every Time

• Surprise Inside Delight: Discover a mouthwatering twist with gooey mozzarella hidden at the center of each perfectly seasoned meatball.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Prepare this entire dish in just 30 minutes, making it an ideal solution for busy families craving a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Versatile Comfort Food: Serve these meatballs over pasta, in a sub sandwich, or as a standalone appetizer, providing endless meal possibilities for different dining scenarios.
• Beginner-Friendly Cooking: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice cooks can confidently create restaurant-quality meatballs that will impress family and guests.

What Goes In Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs Recipe

Main Ingredients:

• Ground Beef, Ground Pork: Provides rich flavor and juicy texture for the meatballs. Best to use a mix of meats for more depth. Lean meat ensures a healthier option.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Soft, creamy cheese that creates a delightful melty center. Fresh mozzarella works best for maximum gooeyness.

• Garlic: Adds aromatic depth and traditional Italian flavor. Fresh garlic provides the most intense taste.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, salty cheese that boosts overall savory profile. Freshly grated gives the best flavor.
• Oregano, Paprika, Parsley: Herbs and spices that create a complex, Mediterranean-inspired seasoning. Use dried herbs for consistent flavor.

• Breadcrumbs: Helps hold the meatballs together and creates a crispy exterior. Plain or Italian-style breadcrumbs work well.
• Egg: Acts as a binding agent to keep the meatball mixture cohesive. Room temperature egg blends more easily.

• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the overall taste. Kosher salt provides better flavor distribution.
• Olive Oil: Used for browning the meatballs and adding a subtle richness.
• Pasta Sauce: Provides moisture and additional flavor during baking. Marinara or tomato sauce are classic choices.

Easy Steps For Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs Recipe

Step 1: Create Meaty Magic

• Ground meat
• Garlic
• Egg
• Parmesan cheese
• Breadcrumbs
• Oregano
• Paprika
• Parsley
• Salt
• Black pepper

Dive in with your hands and mix everything until beautifully combined.

Step 2: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to 400°F.

Step 3: Prepare Crispy Coating

Pour additional breadcrumbs into a shallow dish for rolling.

Step 4: Craft Cheesy Centers

Scoop a tablespoon of meat mixture. Shape into a round ball. Press a thumbprint in the center. Nestle a mozzarella chunk inside. Gently seal the meat around the cheese, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 5: Create Crunchy Exterior

Roll each meatball through breadcrumbs, coating completely.

Step 6: Brown and Sizzle

Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Rotate meatballs, browning all sides for 2-3 minutes.

Step 7: Sauce It Up

Remove from heat. Generously pour pasta sauce over meatballs. Sprinkle extra mozzarella chunks if desired.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Cover skillet with lid or foil. Slide into preheated oven. Bake 10-15 minutes until meatballs are thoroughly cooked.

Tips For Juicy Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs Recipe

• Choose Lean Meat Wisely: Select ground beef with lower fat content (85/15 or 90/10) to prevent greasy meatballs while maintaining juiciness and flavor.
• Chill Mozzarella Chunks: Freeze mozzarella pieces for 10-15 minutes before stuffing to help them maintain shape and prevent quick melting during cooking.
• Prevent Cheese Leakage: Completely seal mozzarella inside meat mixture, ensuring no cheese exposed to prevent cheese from oozing out during baking.
• Master Breadcrumb Coating: Gently roll meatballs in breadcrumbs using light, consistent pressure to create an even, crispy exterior without compressing meat too tightly.
• Handle Meat Gently: Mix meatball ingredients using fingertips or fork, avoiding overmixing to keep the texture tender and prevent dense, tough meatballs.

How To Store Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs Recipe Properly

• Refrigerate: Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Freeze: Transfer cooled meatballs to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Seal tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
• Reheat Oven: Warm refrigerated meatballs at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying. Add a splash of pasta sauce to keep them moist and delicious.
• Microwave Option: Place meatballs on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed.

Perfect Pairings For Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs Recipe

• Savor Wine Pairing: Choose a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the rich, meaty flavors and cut through the creamy mozzarella.
• Create Complementary Pasta Side: Serve the meatballs over al dente linguine or spaghetti, allowing the marinara sauce to coat the pasta perfectly and enhance the overall dining experience.
• Match Fresh Salad Companion: Prepare a crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the heavy meatballs, adding a bright, zesty contrast that refreshes the palate between bites.
• Elevate Bread Selection: Offer warm, crusty garlic bread or focaccia to soak up the flavorful sauce and provide a delightful texture alongside the cheesy meatballs.

Different Takes On Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs Recipe

• Gluten-Free Friendly: Replace regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed almond flour. Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Swap ground meat with plant-based ground meat alternatives like Beyond Meat or lentil mixture. Use vegan mozzarella cheese and nutritional yeast for similar flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Keto Version: Eliminate breadcrumbs completely. Use ground pork or beef with higher fat content. Substitute mozzarella with full-fat cheese and replace pasta sauce with low-carb marinara or homemade tomato sauce.
• Mediterranean Herb Remix: Add finely chopped fresh rosemary and thyme to the meat mixture. Incorporate crumbled feta cheese alongside mozzarella for a tangy Greek-inspired flavor.

Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs Recipe FAQs

• How can I prevent the mozzarella from leaking out of the meatballs?

Ensure the mozzarella is completely sealed inside the meat mixture by pressing the meat firmly around the cheese ball. Use cold, firm mozzarella and make sure there are no gaps when reshaping the meatball.

• Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or pork. Just make sure the meat has enough fat content to keep the meatballs moist and flavorful.

• What if I don't have an oven-safe skillet?

Transfer the browned meatballs to a baking dish before adding sauce and baking. This works just as well and ensures even cooking.

• How do I know the meatballs are fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Ground meat should reach 160°F (71°C) to be safe for consumption.

Unforgettable Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs Recipe

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4.6 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent mozzarella stuffed meatballs bring Italian comfort straight to dinner tables with melty cheese hidden inside each savory bite. Hearty protein meets creamy indulgence, promising a delicious meal that satisfies hunger and delights taste buds.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 lb (453 g) ground chicken, turkey, or lean ground beef

Cheese and Binding Ingredients:

• ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 20 baby mozzarella balls (bocconcini)
• 1 raw egg, beaten

Herbs, Spices, and Additional Ingredients:

• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• ⅓ cup (40 g) plain breadcrumbs (plus more for rolling)
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon sweet paprika
• 1 cup (30 g) fresh chopped parsley
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• Extra virgin olive oil
• 25 ounces (708 g) pasta sauce (homemade or store-bought marinara)

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Instructions

1. Craft a robust mixture by thoroughly blending ground meat with minced garlic, whisked egg, grated Parmesan, dried breadcrumbs, aromatic herbs, and complementary spices until ingredients are evenly distributed.
2. Heat the cooking chamber to a precise 400°F, ensuring an optimal roasting environment.
3. Create a dedicated station with additional breadcrumbs for coating the protein parcels.
4. Carefully construct spherical meat formations, creating a central cavity to nestle a creamy mozzarella nucleus, then meticulously seal the cheese within the meat’s protective embrace.
5. Delicately roll each meat sphere through the breadcrumb landscape, achieving a uniform, crisp exterior coating.
6. Warm olive oil in a cast-iron skillet, developing a golden-brown crust on the meatballs through strategic rotation, generating rich caramelized surfaces.
7. Eliminate direct heat and cascade marinara sauce over the bronzed protein globes, optionally interspersing additional mozzarella fragments for enhanced creaminess.
8. Shield the skillet with a protective lid or aluminum barrier, then transfer to the heated chamber to complete the culinary transformation, ensuring thorough internal cooking and molten cheese centers.

Notes

• Maintain moisture by using a mix of ground meats like beef and pork for richer flavor and juicier texture.
• Chill the mozzarella balls before stuffing to prevent cheese from melting too quickly during cooking.
• Avoid overmixing the meat mixture to keep meatballs tender and prevent them from becoming tough.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure meatballs reach 160°F internally for safe consumption while

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg