Cheesy Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs Recipe

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with these mouthwatering Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs. As you dig into these tender meatballs and witness the gooey cheese oozing out, you’ll understand why this recipe is a true game-changer for your dinner table. Elevate your spaghetti night into something truly special with this classic dish.

Crafted with precision, the star of these meatballs is undoubtedly the mozzarella. Cut into precise half-inch cubes, this cheese creates that irresistible and iconic cheese pull that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Whether you serve them over spaghetti or get creative with different presentations like meatball subs or appetizer skewers, these cheese stuffed meatballs are sure to impress your loved ones.

Not only are these meatballs a delicious crowd-pleaser, but they are also perfect for meal prep. Make them ahead of time, refrigerate, or even freeze for later use. So, if you’re looking to add a touch of magic to your next meal, give these Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs a try and get ready to savor every cheesy, flavorful bite.

Quick Benefits

• Elevates ordinary spaghetti night into something extraordinary with a dramatic melted cheese center that creates a memorable dining experience
• Versatile for various meal settings – perfect for meal prep, can be served as appetizers, in sandwiches, over zucchini noodles, or with a side salad
• Can be made with a mix of ground pork and beef for enhanced flavor and texture, or with different meats like ground pork, chicken, or turkey for variety
• Easy to store and reheat, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights or meal planning

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs Recipe Recipe

• Elevates a simple spaghetti night into something extraordinary with the melted mozzarella cheese oozing out of each tender meatball.
• Creates lasting memories for family and friends, making it a go-to recipe for special occasions.
• Versatile recipe that can be enjoyed in multiple settings – as meatball subs, appetizers, or over zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.
• Perfect for meal prep as you can prepare them ahead and refrigerate or freeze them, making them a convenient and time-saving option for busy days.
• The cheese-stuffed meatballs are a crowd-pleaser, guaranteed to impress guests with their impressive yet simple presentation.
• Tips provided to troubleshoot common issues like cheese leakage, ensuring a delicious outcome every time.
• Can be customized with different types of meat like pork, chicken, or turkey, offering variety for different preferences.
• Leftovers can be stored easily and reheated for a quick and satisfying meal, making it a practical recipe for leftovers.

Ingredients for Cheesy Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs Recipe

Meatball Mixture

• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh Italian flat-leaf parsley
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1 pound 80% lean ground beef or half ground pork and half ground beef
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 3/4 teaspoon Kosher salt

Cheese Filling

• 4-6 ounces mozzarella, cut into 24 1/2-inch cubes

For Serving

• Marinara sauce
• Cooked spaghetti noodles

Pro Tips for Cheesy Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs Recipe

To ensure the perfect melty cheese center, tightly wrap the meat mixture around the mozzarella cubes, making sure there are no gaps. Properly sealing the edges of the meatballs will help prevent the cheese from leaking out during baking.

Consider using low-moisture mozzarella for minimal leakage, but if you prefer a creamier center, fresh mozzarella can be used with care. The type of cheese you choose can affect the texture and flavor of your meatballs, so choose based on your preference.

Experiment with different ground meats like pork, chicken, or turkey for variety. A blend of ground pork and beef can enhance both the flavor and texture of the meatballs, adding a delicious twist to this classic recipe.

How to Make Cheesy Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Oven

Preheat oven to 400°F, then line a baking sheet with foil and coat with nonstick spray.

Step 2: Prepare Meatball Mixture

Combine ground meat, egg, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, garlic, onion, salt, pepper, and parsley in a large bowl. Mix until just combined using a wooden spoon or hands. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of water if needed for moisture.

Step 3: Shape Meatballs with Cheese Filling

Use a medium cookie scoop or spoon to divide the mixture onto a baking sheet. Add one cheese cube to the center of each portion. Shape the meat mixture around the cheese to form 1 1/2-inch balls. Place back on the baking sheet.

Step 4: Bake Meatballs

Bake uncovered for 17 to 20 minutes, turning halfway, until no longer pink in the center.

Storage Tips

Once your delicious mozzarella-stuffed meatballs are cooked, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to extend their shelf life, freeze the meatballs for up to 3 months. To reheat, you can either warm them in the oven or on the stovetop with marinara sauce for a quick and tasty meal.

For meal prep convenience, you can prepare the uncooked meatballs ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. This way, you can have them ready to bake whenever you’re ready to enjoy them. They can go straight from the fridge to the oven, but remember to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time since they’ll be starting from a colder temperature.

Experiment with serving your cheese-stuffed meatballs in various ways, such as over spaghetti with marinara sauce, in a sub sandwich with extra mozzarella, as appetizers with marinara for dipping, or on zucchini noodles for a low-carb option. No matter how you choose to enjoy them, these meatballs are sure to impress your family and friends with their flavorful and gooey cheese center.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you prefer a different type of cheese, such as cheddar or provolone, feel free to experiment with those for a unique twist on the classic mozzarella stuffed meatballs. Just ensure the cheese is cut into small cubes to fit inside the meatballs properly.

For a healthier option, you can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. These leaner meats will still provide a delicious base for the meatballs while reducing the overall fat content of the dish.

If you have dietary restrictions or preferences, gluten-free breadcrumbs can be used as a substitute for traditional breadcrumbs without compromising the texture of the meatballs. This simple swap allows those with gluten sensitivities to still enjoy this flavorful dish.

Serving Suggestions

For a fun twist on serving these mozzarella stuffed meatballs, try skewering them with toothpicks and serving them as a delicious appetizer with warm marinara sauce for dipping. Your guests will love the bite-sized portions and the gooey cheese pull as they take a bite into these savory meatballs.

Another creative way to enjoy these cheese stuffed meatballs is to nestle them into individual portions of garlic bread. Simply hollow out the center of a slice of garlic bread, place a meatball inside, and sprinkle with extra cheese before baking until golden and bubbly. This unique presentation not only looks impressive but also combines two classic comfort foods into one mouthwatering dish that will surely be a hit at your next gathering.

FAQs for Cheesy Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs Recipe

Can I use a different type of ground meat for the meatballs?

Yes, you can use ground pork, chicken, or turkey instead of beef. A mix of ground pork and beef can enhance both flavor and texture.

How should I store leftover meatballs?

Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze them for up to 3 months. Reheat them in the oven or on the stovetop with marinara sauce.

Can I prepare the meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the meatballs and refrigerate them uncooked for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to serve, simply bake them according to the recipe.

What is the best way to prevent the cheese from leaking out during baking?

To prevent cheese leakage, ensure that the meat mixture is tightly wrapped around the mozzarella, leaving no gaps. Properly sealing the edges of the meatballs helps keep the cheese intact as it melts. Chilling the formed meatballs for 15 minutes before baking can also help maintain their structure in the oven.

Conclusion

As you embark on your culinary journey with Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs, remember that the true joy of cooking lies in the process of creating memorable meals for your loved ones. These cheese-filled meatballs are not just a dish but a testament to the power of simple ingredients coming together to create something truly special. So go ahead, roll up your sleeves, and let the aroma of these meatballs baking in the oven fill your kitchen with warmth and anticipation.

Whether you choose to pair them with spaghetti or get creative with different serving suggestions, Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs are sure to delight and impress. So embrace the cheesy goodness, savor the delicious flavors, and share the love with those around you. With each bite, you’re not just tasting a dish; you’re experiencing a moment of culinary bliss that will linger in your memory long after the last meatball is gone. Cheers to good food, good company, and the magic of Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs!

Cheesy Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs Recipe

Cheesy mozzarella stuffed meatballs elevate any meal with a satisfying burst of gooey cheese in each bite, perfect for pasta night or as impressive appetizers.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time20 Minutes

Cook Time20 Minutes

Total Time40 Minutes

CuisineItalian

Skill LevelEasy

Servings4 Servings (24 meatballs)

Ingredients

Meatball Mixture

• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh Italian flat-leaf parsley
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1 pound 80% lean ground beef or half ground pork and half ground beef
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 3/4 teaspoon Kosher salt

Cheese Filling

• 4-6 ounces mozzarella, cut into 24 1/2-inch cubes

For Serving

• Marinara sauce
• Cooked spaghetti noodles

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 400°F, then line a baking sheet with foil and coat with nonstick spray.
2. Prepare Meatball Mixture: Combine ground meat, egg, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, garlic, onion, salt, pepper, and parsley in a large bowl. Mix until just combined using a wooden spoon or hands. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of water if needed for moisture.
3. Shape Meatballs with Cheese Filling: Use a medium cookie scoop or spoon to divide the mixture onto a baking sheet. Add one cheese cube to the center of each portion. Shape the meat mixture around the cheese to form 1 1/2-inch balls. Place back on the baking sheet.
4. Bake Meatballs: Bake uncovered for 17 to 20 minutes, turning halfway, until no longer pink in the center.