Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs are a delicious and hearty dinner, perfect for any night of the week. These juicy meatballs are stuffed with gooey fresh mozzarella and simmered in marinara sauce, creating a flavorful, satisfying meal. Made with simple ingredients like ground beef, fresh herbs, and Panko breadcrumbs, these meatballs are bursting with flavor and will quickly become a family favorite. Serve them over spaghetti for a classic Italian meal everyone will love!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs are the perfect combination of crispy exterior and gooey, cheesy interior. The fresh mozzarella melts in the center, creating a cheesy surprise with every bite. The addition of herbs and Parmesan cheese gives the meatballs a rich flavor, while the marinara sauce makes them even more comforting. Plus, they come together in just 40 minutes, making them an ideal weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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1 lb ground beef
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1 egg
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1 small onion, finely diced
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4 garlic cloves, minced
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1/4 cup finely chopped parsley
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1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs
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1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
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4 oz fresh mozzarella, cut into 1/2 inch cubes
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1–2 tbsp olive oil
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2 cups marinara sauce
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1/2 tsp dried basil
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1/2 tsp dried oregano
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1/2 tsp salt
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Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Directions
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Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, egg, finely diced onion, minced garlic, fresh parsley, Panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly until evenly combined.
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Stuff the Meatballs: Cut the fresh mozzarella into 1/2-inch cubes. Take about 2 tablespoons of the meatball mixture and flatten it slightly in your hand. Place a cube of mozzarella in the center, then cover the cheese with the meat mixture and roll it into a ball. Repeat until all the meatballs are formed, you should get about 12 meatballs.
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Cook the Meatballs: Heat the olive oil in a large non-stick pan over medium to high heat. Add the meatballs to the pan, ensuring they don’t overcrowd the pan. Brown the meatballs on one side, then flip them carefully and brown on the other side.
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Simmer in Marinara Sauce: Once the meatballs are browned, add the marinara sauce to the pan, making sure to cover the meatballs completely. Cover the pan with a lid and let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for about 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even cooking.
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Serve: Serve the mozzarella-stuffed meatballs over a bed of pasta, and top with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese for garnish. Enjoy!
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 5 servings (approximately 12 meatballs)
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Prep Time: 20 minutes
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Cook Time: 20 minutes
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Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
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Add Veggies: Add some finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to the meatball mixture for extra flavor and nutrition.
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Use Ground Turkey: For a lighter version, you can swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken.
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Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce or the meatball mixture to give the dish a bit of heat.
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Cheese Options: Instead of mozzarella, you can use provolone, fontina, or a blend of cheeses for a different flavor.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They also freeze well for up to 3 months.
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Reheating: To reheat, place the meatballs in a skillet with a little marinara sauce over low heat, and simmer until heated through. You can also microwave them for a quicker option.
FAQs
Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs ahead of time and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking. You can also freeze the unbaked meatballs for future use.
Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?
Yes, store-bought marinara sauce works perfectly for this recipe, but homemade sauce will give the dish an extra depth of flavor if you have the time.
How do I know when the meatballs are done?
The meatballs are done when they are browned on the outside and fully cooked on the inside. To check, you can cut one open to ensure there’s no pink, or use a meat thermometer—an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) is ideal for ground beef.
Can I bake the meatballs instead of frying them?
Yes, you can bake the meatballs in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, then simmer them in the marinara sauce for a few minutes to finish cooking.
Can I use different cheese for the stuffing?
Yes, you can use any cheese that melts well, such as cheddar, provolone, or gouda, but mozzarella is recommended for its melty, gooey texture.
Conclusion
Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs are a delicious, cheesy, and comforting meal that’s perfect for dinner any day of the week. With their savory beef and gooey mozzarella center, paired with marinara sauce and fresh herbs, these meatballs are bursting with flavor. Serve them over spaghetti, or enjoy them on their own for a simple, satisfying dish that everyone will love.
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Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
Description
Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs are juicy, flavorful meatballs filled with fresh mozzarella cheese and simmered in marinara sauce. Made with ground beef, garlic, herbs, and breadcrumbs, these meatballs are easy to prepare in under 45 minutes and are perfect served over spaghetti for a family-friendly dinner!
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 egg
1 small onion (diced finely)
4 garlic cloves (minced)
¼ cup finely chopped fresh parsley
½ cup Panko breadcrumbs
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
4 oz fresh mozzarella (cut into ½-inch cubes)
1–2 tbsp olive oil (for frying)
2 cups marinara sauce
½ tsp dried basil
½ tsp dried oregano
½ tsp salt
Freshly ground pepper (to taste)
Instructions
Prepare the Meatball Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, egg, diced onion, minced garlic, fresh parsley, Panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to ensure everything is evenly incorporated.
Stuff the Meatballs:
Cut the fresh mozzarella into ½-inch cubes.
Take about 2 tablespoons of the meatball mixture, flatten it with your fingers, place a mozzarella cube in the middle, and carefully seal the mixture around the cheese to form a ball. Repeat to make about 12 meatballs.
Cook the Meatballs:
Heat olive oil in a large non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs and brown them on all sides, carefully flipping them to avoid breaking. Once the meatballs are browned, add the marinara sauce, covering all the meatballs with sauce.
Simmer:
Cover the pan and let the meatballs simmer in the marinara sauce for about 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure they cook evenly and the cheese inside melts.
Serve:
Serve the mozzarella stuffed meatballs over cooked pasta. Top with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
Notes
For a Crispier Finish: You can bake the meatballs in the oven at 375°F for 10-15 minutes after browning them in the pan for extra crispiness.
Serving Tip: Serve with a side of garlic bread for a more complete meal.
Storage: Leftover meatballs can be stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
