Description
Succulent mozzarella stuffed meatballs elevate classic Italian comfort cuisine with gooey cheese centers. Hearty protein delivers rich flavors and satisfying textures for quick weeknight dinners you will crave.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
- 1/2 pound (227 grams) ground pork
- 4 ounces (113 grams) mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes
- 1 large egg
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Flavor Enhancers:
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 cups marinara sauce
Instructions
- Combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly blending the ingredients until they form a cohesive mixture.
- Create uniform meat patties by taking approximately two tablespoons of the mixture and gently flattening it in your palm.
- Position a mozzarella cube precisely in the center of each meat patty, carefully encasing the cheese by molding the meat around it to create perfectly sealed spherical meatballs.
- Prepare a baking sheet by lightly greasing its surface to prevent sticking.
- Arrange the cheese-filled meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are evenly spaced.
- Slide the baking sheet into a preheated oven at 400F (200C) and roast for 15 minutes, allowing the exterior to develop a golden-brown crust while maintaining a juicy interior.
- Simultaneously, warm marinara sauce in a large skillet over medium heat, creating a rich, bubbling base.
- Transfer the freshly baked meatballs directly into the simmering marinara sauce, letting them gently cook for an additional 10 minutes to absorb the sauce’s robust flavors.
- Serve piping hot, nestled over pasta, accompanied by crusty bread, or presented as an enticing appetizer.
Notes
- Customize meat ratios by adjusting ground beef and pork percentages for richer or leaner flavor profiles.
- Ensure mozzarella cubes are well-sealed inside meat to prevent cheese leakage during baking.
- Experiment with different cheese types like provolone or fontina for unique mozzarella variations.
- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour to make recipe celiac and low-carb friendly.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 248 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 410 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 11 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg