If there’s one recipe that left me and my family gushing over dinner, it’s this Stuffed Meatballs with Mozzarella Cheese Recipe. Picture this: juicy, flavorful meatballs that hold a cheesy, gooey treasure in their center. Every bite feels like the perfect mix of comfort and indulgence.
I served them with a rich marinara sauce and fresh spaghetti, and honestly, it was chef’s kiss. Plus, watching everyone’s eyes light up with that first bite? Totally priceless. Trust me, this recipe is so simple and delightful that you’ll find yourself making it again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Get ready to create magic with these simple, pantry-friendly ingredients.
- Ground beef (1 pound): Use fresh, not frozen, for ultimate tenderness.
- Egg (1): Acts as a binder to hold everything together.
- Breadcrumbs (½ cup): Adds structure; plain or Italian-style works great.
- Parmesan cheese (¼ cup, grated): Adds salty, nutty flavor.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): For that bold, aromatic punch.
- Onion (½ small, finely chopped): Keeps the meatballs juicy.
- Kosher salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances overall taste.
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Balances the flavors.
- Mozzarella cheese (4 ounces, cut into ½-inch cubes): The star of the dish!
- Parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped): Fresh touch for both flavor and garnish.
Note: Yields about 4 servings. Feel free to double the recipe for larger gatherings!
Creative Variations to Suit Every Palate
This recipe is super versatile. Here are a few ways to make it your own!
- Swap the Beef: Try ground turkey, chicken, or pork for a lighter or different flavor.
- Crank Up the Heat: Add chopped jalapeños or red chili flakes for some extra spice.
- Dairy-Free Alternative: Replace mozzarella with a vegan cheese option for a dairy-free twist.
- Go Gluten-Free: Switch to gluten-free breadcrumbs without sacrificing texture.
- Cheese Swap: Cheddar, gouda, or pepper jack can give a deliciously different twist.
Cooking Time
Here’s exactly how much time you’ll need to whip up this dish from start to finish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
What Equipment Do You Need?
A few simple tools will get the job done for this recipe.
- Mixing bowl: For combining all the ingredients.
- Foil-lined baking sheet: Makes cleanup a breeze while baking.
- Wooden spoon/hands: To mix the meat mixture perfectly.
- Cookie scoop: For evenly portioning out meatballs.
How to Make Perfectly Stuffed Meatballs?
Making this recipe is as easy as mixing, stuffing, and baking. Each step is designed to give you maximum flavor while keeping things simple.
Preheat Your Oven
Start by setting your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and lightly spray it with nonstick cooking spray. This ensures the meatballs don’t stick and cleanup is easy.
Make the Meat Mixture
Grab a large bowl and mix together the ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, onion, parsley, salt, and pepper. Be gentle when mixing to avoid overworking the meat, which can lead to tough meatballs. If the mixture feels a little dry, add a spoonful of water.
Stuff the Meatballs with Mozzarella
Cut the mozzarella into small cubes. Take a scoop of the meat mixture and flatten it into a small patty. Place a mozzarella cube in the center and carefully wrap the meat around it, sealing all edges tightly. Repeat until all the meatballs are made.
Bake to Perfection
Arrange the prepared meatballs on your baking sheet and pop them into the preheated oven. Bake for about 17–20 minutes, flipping them halfway through for even cooking. When done, they should be golden brown with a gooey cheese center.
Add the Final Touches
Serve the warm meatballs with your favorite marinara sauce. Sprinkle fresh parsley and extra Parmesan on top for a finishing touch that adds both flavor and color.
Tips for Even Better Meatballs
Here’s how I took my stuffed meatballs to the next level when I made them at home!
- Seal the Cheese Completely: Any tiny opening can lead to cheese escaping during baking.
- Don’t Overmix: Treat the meat gently to keep your meatballs tender, not tough.
- Evenly Sized Meatballs: Use a cookie scoop to make sure your meatballs cook evenly.
- Fresh Herbs Matter: Trust me, fresh parsley and basil make the flavors pop.
- Use High-Quality Cheese: Fresh mozzarella is best for that gooey, pull-apart goodness.
How to Serve Your Stuffed Meatballs
These cheesy meatballs are incredibly versatile. For a classic meal, serve them atop spaghetti or pasta. Looking for party food? Use toothpicks and pair them with a bowl of marinara sauce for dipping. You can even turn them into hearty sub sandwiches by layering the meatballs in a baguette with more mozzarella and marinara. Need a lighter option? Serve with roasted veggies or a crisp green salad.
Nutritional Information
Here’s what you’re looking at per serving (approx.):
- Calories: 271
- Protein: 21g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fat: 18g
Make Ahead and Storage
Stuffed meatballs are perfect for meal prep.
- Storing: Let the meatballs cool completely, then refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 5 days. To reheat, use the oven or stovetop with some marinara sauce.
- Freezing: Arrange the meatballs on a baking tray and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Why You’ll Adore These Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs?
Here are a few reasons why I’m obsessed with this dish, and why you’ll be too!
- That Gooey Cheese Center: It’s impossible to resist that cheesy, molten middle.
- Simple and Quick to Make: You don’t have to be a pro to nail this recipe.
- Endlessly Versatile: Works for pasta dinners, party appetizers, or even subs.
- Kid-Friendly Fun: Kids love the surprise cheese filling!
- Freezer-Friendly: Make them ahead for effortless meals later.
These stuffed meatballs with mozzarella cheese are the ultimate go-to comfort food. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or whip up a casual family meal, this recipe checks all the boxes. Go ahead, give it a try—I promise, you’ll want to make it part of your regular rotation!
Stuffed Meatballs with Mozzarella Cheese Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 egg
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ½ small onion finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 4 ounces mozzarella cheese cut into ½-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Start by setting your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and lightly spray it with nonstick cooking spray. This ensures the meatballs don’t stick and cleanup is easy.
- Grab a large bowl and mix together the ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, onion, parsley, salt, and pepper. Be gentle when mixing to avoid overworking the meat, which can lead to tough meatballs. If the mixture feels a little dry, add a spoonful of water.
- Cut the mozzarella into small cubes. Take a scoop of the meat mixture and flatten it into a small patty. Place a mozzarella cube in the center and carefully wrap the meat around it, sealing all edges tightly. Repeat until all the meatballs are made.
- Arrange the prepared meatballs on your baking sheet and pop them into the preheated oven. Bake for about 17–20 minutes, flipping them halfway through for even cooking. When done, they should be golden brown with a gooey cheese center.
- Serve the warm meatballs with your favorite marinara sauce. Sprinkle fresh parsley and extra Parmesan on top for a finishing touch that adds both flavor and color.
Notes
- Cheese Variety: If desired, swap mozzarella for cheddar, gouda, or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.
- Healthier Option: Use lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter dish.
- Dairy-Free: Replace mozzarella with a dairy-free cheese option to make it vegan.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs without compromising the texture.
