Why Make This Recipe
Who doesn’t love a good meatball? But wait, what if I told you there’s cheese hiding inside? Yep, that’s right. Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs combine the best of two worlds—juicy meat and ooey-gooey cheesy goodness. Seriously, these meatballs are a game-changer for your dinner table (or lunch, or snack—no judgment here). They make a great weeknight meal or an impressive dish for gatherings. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up a batch, so why not give it a shot?
How to Make Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs
Let’s keep it real, folks. Making these meatballs is as easy as pie (or should I say, meatball?). In just a few steps, you’ll have these delightful bites ready for indulging. The key is to make sure you don’t skimp on the mozzarella—gotta keep that melty goodness front and center! 🍽️
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes
- Marinara sauce (for serving)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Time to warm things up!
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix it all up until well combined. You don’t want clumps—well, unless they’re delicious meatball clumps.
- Take a portion of the mixture and flatten it in your hand. Pro tip: Don’t be shy! Aim for about the size of a golf ball.
- Place a cube of mozzarella in the center and form the mixture around it, creating a cozy meatball nest for the cheese.
- Transfer the meatballs onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. No one likes sticking!
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through. The smell will have you drooling.
- Serve with marinara sauce for dipping. You absolutely deserve this!
How to Serve Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs
These meatballs are versatile! You can serve them on their own, or go big and stuff them into a sub with some extra cheese and marinara. 🎉 They can also star in a spaghetti dish, or you could arrange them beautifully on a platter for your next gathering. Just don’t forget to supply napkins. Things could get saucy!
How to Store Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs
Well, if you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (good for you!), storing these bad boys is easy. Let them cool completely, and then pop them in an airtight container. They’ll last in the fridge for about 3-4 days. If you want to save some for a rainy day, freeze them! Just make sure they’re not sticking together like long-lost friends.
Tips to Make Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs
- Don’t overmix the meat! You want tender meatballs, not hockey pucks.
- Use fresh mozzarella for that melt-in-your-mouth experience.
- Add some Italian herbs to the meat mixture for bonus flavor.
- If they’re falling apart, you can add a bit more breadcrumbs. Just a pinch!
Variation
Feeling adventurous? Try swapping out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. You can also experiment with different types of cheese—think pepper jack for a kick, or ricotta for a creamier filling. The sky’s the limit! 🌟
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen meatballs instead?
Sure! But the magic comes from making them fresh. If you’re in a pinch, frozen works too—just heat as directed.
2. What do I serve with these meatballs?
Anything you like! Classic pasta, a side salad, or even just some garlic bread. But really, who can say no to garlic bread? 😍
3. Can I prep these in advance?
Absolutely! You can make the meatballs ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze them raw. Just cook when you’re ready!
Now get your chef hat on and show those meatballs who’s boss! Happy cooking! 🍽️
Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Take a portion of the mixture and flatten it in your hand, about the size of a golf ball.
- Place a cube of mozzarella in the center and form the mixture around it to create a meatball.
- Transfer the meatballs onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.
- Serve with marinara sauce for dipping.