Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs Recipe

If you’re anything like me, anything that qualifies as comfort food will always rank high on your favorite list. Now, picture this: juicy, tender meatballs with a molten mozzarella surprise in the middle. Hearty, cheesy, and just perfect for a family dinner or game night. The best part? They are super simple and do not require any special ingredients.

What is Mozzarella Stuffed Meatball All About?

Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs deviate slightly from traditional Italian meatballs. Instead of folding in the cheese with the meat, we tuck a cube of mozzarella directly into the center. When you cut, there is the heavenly pull of cheese. Rich, hearty, and great for pasta, marinara sauce, or served alone as a fun little app.

Ingredients

For the Meatballs

• 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

For the Filling

• 6–8 mozzarella cubes (about 1-inch each)

For Cooking

• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

1. Combine your meatball base – Into a bowl, ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, an egg, a little bit of garlic, seasoning, then put salt and pepper together. Mix gently until combined.
2. Shape the Meatballs – Take about 2 tablespoons of the mixture, flatten it a little, and put one cube of mozzarella in the middle. Enclose the cheese with meat around it, and roll it into a ball.
3. Cook the meatballs – Heat some olive oil in a skillet. Sear meatballs on all sides (about 5 minutes) till browned.
4. Simmer in sauce: Add marinara sauce, cover, and cook on low heat for about 15 to 20 minutes until the meatballs are really cooked and the cheese is melted.
5. Serve hot – Sprinkle with extra Parmesan or fresh basil on top before serving.

Storage Tips

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 days.
• The cooked meatballs (not holding sauce) can be frozen for up to 2 months. Just thaw and reheat in the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve over spaghetti or penne, both time-honored ways to have an Italian dinner.
• Place toasted hoagie rolls on the grill and prepare meatball subs.
• Serve as party appetizers with toothpicks and warm marinara on the side.  

Pro Tips & Variations

• Use ground turkey or ground chicken to make a healthier version.
• Add chopped spinach or parsley for extra flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I make Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare and mold them the day before you cook them, and let them chill in the fridge for 24 hours max.

2. Can I bake them instead of pan-frying them?

Sure. Bake them in a 375°F oven for 20 to 25 minutes, then briefly simmer in marinara sauce.

3. What if I don’t have the mozzarella cubes?

You could use shredded mozzarella-just pinch off a small ball of it and stuff it inside.

4. Are they spicy?

No, the meatballs are quite mild and family-friendly, but you can always add a sprinkle of chili flakes for extra heat.

Try It!

These Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs are the definition of cozy comfort food: cheesy and satisfying and guaranteed to get approval on any dinner table. Trust me, you will find yourself making these over and over once you try them.