Juicy Mozzarella-Stuffed Meatballs Recipe: A Cheesy Delight

My favorite Italian-inspired stuffed meatballs always surprise guests with their hidden mozzarella cheese center.

Crispy exterior gives way to a molten interior that makes everyone swoon.

Juicy ground beef mingles perfectly with herbs and spices for maximum flavor.

Each bite promises a delightful cheese explosion that melts right on your plate.

Home cooking reaches new heights when these compact protein bombs emerge from the oven.

Mixing traditional techniques with a clever cheese-filling twist creates something magical for dinner.

Savor every morsel and watch faces light up with pure culinary delight.

What’s Delicious About Stuffed Meatballs with Mozzarella

• Quickly Customize Your Meal: Swap ground beef with turkey or chicken for a lighter protein option, making this recipe adaptable to different dietary preferences.
• Kid-Friendly Comfort Food: Melty mozzarella center creates an exciting surprise that children will love, transforming a classic dish into a fun and interactive meal that encourages everyone to enjoy dinner together.
• Minimal Prep, Maximum Satisfaction: Using simple pantry ingredients and requiring basic mixing and rolling techniques, this recipe welcomes home cooks of all skill levels to create a restaurant-quality dish without complicated methods.

Stuffed Mozzarella Meatballs Ingredients

• Ground Beef: Core protein for creating tender and juicy meatballs, rich flavor and texture.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Soft cheese providing creamy center and melting surprise inside meatballs.

• Breadcrumbs, Egg: Help hold meatball mixture together and create smooth texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, salty flavor and helps with binding.
• Garlic, Onion Powder, Italian Seasoning, Red Pepper Flakes: Provide depth of flavor and aromatic profile.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for basic seasoning and enhancing overall taste.
• Olive Oil: Used for cooking and adding smooth texture to sauce.
• Marinara Sauce: Classic tomato-based sauce complementing meatball flavors.
• Dried Basil: Herbal note that elevates sauce complexity.
• Fresh Parsley: Garnish for fresh color and light herbal finish.

Stuffed Mozzarella Meatballs Cooking Walkthrough

Step 1: Prepare Oven Space

Set your oven to 375°F.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly spray with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Flavor-Packed Meat Mixture

• Ground beef
• Breadcrumbs
• Parmesan cheese
• Egg
• Minced garlic
• Italian seasoning
• Onion powder
• Red pepper flakes
• Salt
• Black pepper

Gently mix ingredients until just combined.

Avoid overmixing to keep meatballs tender and juicy.

Step 3: Craft Cheesy Centers

Grab a small portion of meat mixture and flatten it in your palm.

Place a chunk of mozzarella in the center, then carefully wrap the meat around the cheese.

Roll into a perfect round ball.

Continue until all meat is used.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place meatballs on prepared baking sheet, ensuring they’re not touching.

Slide into preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.

Look for a beautiful golden-brown exterior and ensure internal temperature reaches 160°F.

Step 5: Create Quick Marinara Sauce

While meatballs cook, heat olive oil in a saucepan.

Pour in marinara sauce and sprinkle dried basil.

Simmer gently, stirring occasionally to develop rich flavors.

Step 6: Serve with Flair

Transfer meatballs to a serving platter.

Drizzle with warm marinara sauce.

Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.

Pair with spaghetti, creamy mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad.

Stuffed Mozzarella Meatball Baking Tricks

• Add a splash of milk or water to the meat mixture to keep the texture moist and tender, ensuring juicy results every time.
• Freeze small mozzarella cubes for 10-15 minutes before wrapping them in meat to prevent cheese from leaking during baking.
• Use your hands or a fork to combine meat mixture lightly, avoiding overmixing which can make meatballs tough and dense.
• Replace breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds for a keto-friendly version without sacrificing flavor or texture.
• Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature reaches 160°F, guaranteeing perfectly cooked meatballs without dryness.

Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs Storage Guide

• Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Wrap individual meatballs tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label the bag with the date to track storage time.
• Warm refrigerated meatballs at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, ensuring internal temperature reaches 165°F. Cover with foil to prevent drying out and maintain moisture.
• Place meatballs on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Check temperature before serving.

What to Serve With Stuffed Mozzarella Meatballs

• Pair with Rich Red Wine: Select a bold Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the robust beef and mozzarella flavors, cutting through the richness with its tannic structure.
• Create Zesty Side Salad: Toss crisp arugula with lemon vinaigrette, shaved Parmesan, and cherry tomatoes to provide a fresh, bright contrast to the hearty meatballs.
• Match with Garlic Bread: Prepare crusty Italian bread brushed with garlic butter and toasted until golden, perfect for soaking up extra marinara sauce and adding textural variety.
• Serve Alongside Roasted Vegetables: Prepare a medley of herb-roasted zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant to add colorful nutrition and balance the protein-packed meatballs.

Stuffed Meatballs – Fun Fillings to Try

• Gluten-Free Meatballs: Replace breadcrumbs with gluten-free almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers. Use gluten-free marinara sauce for a completely wheat-free meal.
• Lean Protein Option: Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lower-fat alternative. Choose lean meat to reduce overall calorie content while maintaining protein levels.
• Vegetarian Cheese-Stuffed Balls
• Keto-Friendly Adaptation: Use ground pork or beef with almond flour instead of breadcrumbs. Skip marinara sauce or use a low-carb tomato sauce. Replace regular mozzarella with full-fat cheese for higher fat content.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of ground meat for this recipe?

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

• How do I prevent the mozzarella from leaking out during baking?

Completely seal the meatball around the cheese, making sure there are no gaps. Use cold mozzarella and don’t overwork the meat mixture to help keep the cheese inside.

• Is it possible to make these meatballs ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs and refrigerate them uncooked for up to 24 hours. When ready to cook, simply place them on a baking sheet and bake as directed.

• Can I freeze these stuffed meatballs?

Yes, you can freeze them before or after cooking. If freezing before cooking, place them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Thaw in the refrigerator before baking.

Stuffed Meatballs with Mozzarella Cheese Recipe

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4.7 from 33 reviews

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

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Description

Succulent Italian Stuffed Meatballs with mozzarella cheese deliver a mouthwatering culinary experience that brings comfort and flavor to your dinner table. Homemade goodness meets simple preparation, ensuring you can savor restaurant-quality satisfaction right in your own kitchen.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Protein:

• 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
• 6 to 8 small mozzarella balls (or 1 cup mozzarella cut into small cubes)
• 1 large egg

Dry Ingredients and Seasonings:

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 teaspoon dried basil or parsley
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Liquid and Sauce Ingredients:

• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

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Instructions

1. Craft a robust ground beef mixture by combining breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, Italian herbs, onion powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper in a spacious mixing bowl, gently blending until ingredients integrate smoothly.
2. Create uniform meat portions by dividing the mixture into equal segments, approximately two tablespoons each, carefully flattening each portion in your palm.
3. Insert a delicate mozzarella ball or cube into the center of each flattened meat section, meticulously enveloping the cheese completely to form perfect spherical meatballs.
4. Prepare a parchment-lined baking sheet, positioning the cheese-stuffed meatballs with slight spacing to ensure even heat circulation.
5. Roast the meatballs in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven, allowing 20-25 minutes for thorough cooking and achieving a rich golden-brown exterior.
6. While meatballs are roasting, develop a complementary marinara sauce by heating olive oil and introducing dried basil, simmering the sauce to enhance its aromatic qualities.
7. Elevate the dish’s presentation by garnishing with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan, serving alongside complementary sides like spaghetti or a crisp green salad.

Notes

• Prevent Dry Meatballs by using a meat mixture with a good fat content, like 80/20 ground beef, which keeps the meatballs juicy and tender during baking.
• Cheese Leakage Solution involves chilling mozzarella cubes before wrapping them in meat, creating a tighter seal and reducing the chance of cheese oozing out during cooking.
• Low-Carb Adaptation can be achieved by replacing breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds, maintaining the meatball’s texture while reducing carbohydrate content.
• Freezer-Friendly Tip: Prepare and shape meatballs ahead of time, then freeze uncooked on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag for quick future meals.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 410
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 80mg