Name: Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; ½ cup breadcrumbs; ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 large egg; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tsp dried); 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 8–10 small mozzarella balls (bocconcini) or 1 block mozzarella cut into cubes; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 cups marinara sauce

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Get ready to meet your new weeknight obsession: Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs! These Italian-style meatballs ooze with gooey, melty cheese and bring a whole new meaning to comfort food. Each bite reveals a hidden pocket of mozzarella, perfectly seasoned beef, and a rich marinara bath. Whether you serve them as a hearty centerpiece over spaghetti or skewer them for a crowd-pleasing appetizer, these meatballs guarantee big flavor with a magical cheesy surprise in every serving.

Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The brilliance of Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs is all about balancing a short list of essentials. Each ingredient is chosen for its role in creating juicy, flavor-packed meatballs with just the right texture and that unmissable molten center.

Ground beef: Choose 80/20 for the juiciest texture and rich, meaty flavor.
Breadcrumbs: These help bind the meat and soak up juices, keeping the meatballs tender.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Lends a salty bite and deepens the savory notes.
Large egg: Acts as a binder to hold everything together.
Garlic cloves: Freshly minced garlic brings authentic Italian aroma.
Fresh parsley: Adds freshness and a little pop of green; dried is fine in a pinch.
Italian seasoning: Combines herbs that round out the flavor profile.
Salt: Essential for seasoning; don’t skimp!
Black pepper: A touch of spice to balance the richness.
Mozzarella balls (bocconcini) or cubed mozzarella: The superstar of the dish, creating that signature cheesy core.
Olive oil: For browning, adds richness and a hint of fruitiness.
Marinara sauce: Simmering the meatballs in sauce keeps them moist and infuses every bite.

How to Make Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs

Step 1: Mix the Meatball Base

Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl and combining the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, egg, garlic, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Blend them together with your hands or a sturdy spoon—be gentle! Overmixing can make the meatballs dense, and we’re all about that irresistibly tender bite.

Step 2: Stuff with Mozzarella

Scoop out roughly two tablespoons of the meat mixture and flatten it slightly in your palm. Place a small mozzarella ball or cube in the center, then gently wrap the meat around the cheese and roll into a smooth ball. The secret to perfect Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs is fully enclosing the mozzarella so it doesn’t escape during cooking!

Step 3: Brown the Meatballs

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, add the meatballs without crowding the pan. Let them brown on all sides, turning gently with tongs—a golden crust builds great flavor! This should take about 5 or 6 minutes.

Step 4: Simmer in Marinara Sauce

Once browned, pour the marinara sauce right over the meatballs in the skillet. Cover and let everything simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, until the meatballs are cooked through (look for an internal temperature of 160°F / 71°C). The sauce thickens and the marinara’s herby notes soak into every meatball.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Serve your Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs piping hot! Whether spooned over a twirl of pasta, lined up in a warm sub roll, or pierced on toothpicks for appetizers, get ready for big smiles and cheese pulls around the table.

How to Serve Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs

Garnishes

A scattering of freshly chopped parsley or basil adds a pop of color and freshness, while a final snowfall of grated Parmesan takes the dish to the next level. Don’t be shy—these little extras really make Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs shine!

Side Dishes

Pair your meatballs with a classic plate of spaghetti and extra sauce, or try fluffy garlic bread to mop up every drop. For a lighter touch, a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette is a crisp, peppery complement.

Creative Ways to Present

Feeling playful? Skewer mini Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs for party bites, tuck them into slider buns for game day, or serve with toothpicks nestled in a warm pool of marinara. They also make a spectacular topping for homemade pizza—talk about a crowd-pleaser!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let leftover Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs cool, then refrigerate in an airtight container with some extra sauce. They’ll keep beautifully for up to four days, making next-day lunches a total breeze.

Freezing

If you’d like to stock your freezer, shape and stuff the raw meatballs, then freeze them in a single layer before transferring to a freezer bag. They’ll last up to three months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking as usual.

Reheating

Warm leftover meatballs gently in a covered skillet over low heat with a splash of marinara, or microwave in short bursts to keep the cheese gooey. Baked in a covered dish at 350°F (175°C) also works well, especially for large batches.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Both ground turkey and chicken work wonderfully in Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs. Just add a splash of olive oil or milk to prevent them from drying out, since poultry is leaner than beef.

What size mozzarella should I use for stuffing?

Small bocconcini or ciliegine balls are ideal, but cubed mozzarella from a block is just as effective. Aim for pieces about 1/2 inch across to guarantee a cheesy center without the risk of overflow.

Can I bake Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs instead of frying?

Yes, you can bake them at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 to 22 minutes. They’ll be slightly less crispy on the outside but still totally delicious and gooey on the inside.

How do I keep the cheese from leaking out?

Be sure to fully enclose the mozzarella when forming your meatballs; chilling the cheese cubes before stuffing also helps. Handle the meat mixture gently to avoid thin spots that could crack during cooking.

Can I make Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs ahead for parties?

Definitely! You can shape and refrigerate the stuffed meatballs up to a day in advance. When you’re ready to serve, cook them as directed and keep them warm in marinara sauce for stress-free entertaining.

Final Thoughts

You simply have to experience the cheesy joy of Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs firsthand. Whether you’re gathering the family for a comforting dinner or surprising party guests with a fun, melty treat, this recipe is sure to become a regular in your kitchen. Give it a try—you’ll be craving that molten center again and again!