Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs Recipe

Introduction

These mozzarella stuffed meatballs are a delicious twist on a classic favorite, combining juicy ground beef with a gooey cheese center. Perfect as a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a comforting main dish, they offer a satisfying blend of flavors and textures.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 4 ounces mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes
• 1 large egg
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional seasonings: garlic powder, Italian herbs, onion powder

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, egg, salt, pepper, and any additional seasonings. Mix gently until just combined to keep the meat tender.
2. Step 2: Take a small amount of the beef mixture and flatten it in your hand. Place a cube of mozzarella in the center, then carefully fold the meat around the cheese, shaping it into a meatball. Repeat with remaining mixture and cheese cubes.
3. Step 3: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) or heat a skillet over medium heat with a little oil.
4. Step 4: If baking, place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for about 20-25 minutes until fully cooked and golden. If pan-frying, cook the meatballs for about 8-10 minutes per side until browned and cooked through.
5. Step 5: Remove from heat and let the meatballs rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the cheese to set slightly inside.

Tips & Variations

• Try adding finely chopped fresh herbs like basil or parsley to the meat mixture for extra flavor.
• Use a mix of ground beef and pork for a richer taste and juicier meatballs.
• Serve with marinara sauce or your favorite dipping sauce for added moisture and flavor.

Storage

Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them gently in a microwave or in a skillet over low heat to maintain the cheese center without drying out the meat.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other cheeses instead of mozzarella?

Yes, cheeses that melt well like provolone or fontina make good substitutes. However, mozzarella is preferred for its mild flavor and excellent melting quality.

How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out during cooking?

Make sure to seal the meat tightly around the cheese cubes, completely enclosing them. Chilling the formed meatballs before cooking can also help maintain their shape and keep the cheese inside.

Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 103 reviews

These Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs are juicy ground beef meatballs filled with gooey melted mozzarella cheese inside. Perfectly seasoned and cooked to golden perfection, they make a delicious appetizer or main dish that family and friends will love.

• Author: Lara
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings (about 12 meatballs) 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meatball Mixture

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Filling

• 6 oz mozzarella cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes

Instructions

1. Prepare the Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, egg, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Mix gently until just combined without overworking the meat to keep the meatballs tender.
2. Shape the Meatballs: Take a small amount of the meat mixture and flatten it in your palm. Place a cube of mozzarella in the center and carefully wrap the meat around the cheese, rolling it into a smooth ball ensuring the cheese is fully enclosed.
3. Cook the Meatballs: You can either bake or pan-fry. To bake, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C), place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake for 20-25 minutes until cooked through and golden. To pan-fry, heat a tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the meatballs, turning occasionally, for about 12-15 minutes until evenly browned and cooked through.

Notes

• Ensure the mozzarella cubes are fully sealed inside the meatballs to prevent cheese from leaking during cooking.
• Use fresh mozzarella for best melting results.
• These meatballs pair wonderfully with marinara sauce or can be served as a party appetizer.
• For even cooking, try to make meatballs of uniform size around 1.5 inches in diameter.

Keywords: mozzarella stuffed meatballs, cheesy meatballs, baked meatballs, Italian appetizer, ground beef meatballs