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