Stuffed Meatballs with Mozzarella Cheese recipe

Stuffed Meatballs with Mozzarella Cheese are a delightful twist on traditional meatballs. The gooey, melty mozzarella inside each meatball adds a delicious surprise that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re making these for a family dinner or a special occasion, they’re bound to be a hit!

Ingredients

To make Stuffed Meatballs with Mozzarella Cheese, you’ll need:

• Essential Ingredients:
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped parsley
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 4 oz mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Optional Additions for Extra Flavor:
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Preparation

Prepping the Meat Mixture:

1. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
2. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.

Preparing the Mozzarella:

1. Cut the mozzarella cheese into small cubes, about 1/2 inch in size.
2. Set aside for stuffing the meatballs.

Shaping the Meatballs

Forming the Meatballs:

1. Take a small amount of the meat mixture and flatten it in your palm.
2. Place a cube of mozzarella cheese in the center.

Stuffing with Mozzarella:

1. Fold the meat mixture around the cheese, making sure it is completely enclosed.
2. Roll into a ball and set aside. Repeat with the remaining meat mixture and cheese.

Cooking the Meatballs

Baking vs. Pan-Frying:

1. Baking: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until cooked through.
2. Pan-Frying: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 15 minutes.

Ensuring Even Cooking:

1. If baking, ensure the meatballs are spaced evenly on the baking sheet.
2. If pan-frying, do not overcrowd the skillet to allow for even cooking.

Making the Sauce

Simple Marinara Sauce Recipe:

1. In a saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add 1 small onion, finely chopped, and sauté until translucent.
3. Add 2 cloves of minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
4. Pour in 1 can (28 oz) of crushed tomatoes.
5. Add 1 teaspoon of sugar, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper.
6. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Enhancing the Sauce with Extra Ingredients:

1. Add fresh basil, oregano, or red pepper flakes to taste.
2. Stir in 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese for extra richness.

Combining Meatballs and Sauce

Simmering the Meatballs in the Sauce:

1. Once the meatballs are cooked, add them to the marinara sauce.
2. Simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes to let the flavors meld together.

Letting the Flavors Meld Together:

1. Stir occasionally to ensure the meatballs are well-coated with the sauce.
2. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Serving Suggestions

Ideal Side Dishes:

1. Serve over spaghetti or your favorite pasta.
2. Pair with a fresh green salad and garlic bread.

Presentation Tips:

1. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
2. Sprinkle with extra grated Parmesan cheese before serving.

Storage Tips

Keeping Leftovers Fresh:

1. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating Instructions:

1. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through.

Variations

Using Different Cheeses:

1. Try stuffing with cheddar, gouda, or provolone for a different flavor.

Adding Different Herbs and Spices:

1. Experiment with different herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil.
2. Add spices like smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for a kick.

Tips for Success

Ensuring the Meatballs are Juicy:

1. Do not overmix the meat mixture to keep the meatballs tender.
2. Ensure the mozzarella is fully enclosed to prevent it from leaking out during cooking.

Balancing the Flavors:

1. Taste the meat mixture before forming the meatballs to adjust seasoning as needed.
2. Use fresh herbs and high-quality cheese for the best flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken?
   • Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
2. How Do I Store Leftovers?
   • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
3. Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
   • Yes, you can prepare the meatballs and sauce ahead of time and reheat before serving.
4. What Can I Serve with These Meatballs?
   • Serve with pasta, rice, or a side of vegetables.
5. Can I Freeze Stuffed Meatballs?
   • Yes, freeze the meatballs after they are cooked. Reheat in the oven or on the stovetop before serving.

Conclusion

Stuffed Meatballs with Mozzarella Cheese are a tasty and satisfying dish that’s sure to please. The combination of juicy meatballs and melty mozzarella creates a delicious meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the delightful flavors of homemade stuffed meatballs!

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Stuffed Meatballs with Mozzarella Cheese recipe

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Stuffed Meatballs with Mozzarella Cheese are a delightful twist on traditional meatballs. The gooey, melty mozzarella inside each meatball adds a delicious surprise that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re making these for a family dinner or a special occasion, they’re bound to be a hit!

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 40 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 egg
• 1 small onion, diced finely
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup finely chopped parsley
• 1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
• 4 oz fresh mozzarella
• 1–2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1/2 tsp basil, dried
• 1/2 tsp oregano, dried
• 1/2 tsp salt
• pepper

Instructions

1. To a large mixing bowl add the ground beef, egg, finely diced onion, minced garlic, fresh parsley, Panko breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.  Combine thoroughly and evenly.
2. Next cut the fresh mozzarella cheese into about 1/2 inch sized cubes.  
3. Then grab about 2 tbsp sized scoops of the meatball mixture.  Flatten with your fingers, place a mozzarella cube in the middle, cover the mozzarella, and roll into a ball.  You should be able to make 12 meatballs.
4. Add the olive oil to a large non stick pan on the stove over medium to high heat.  Add the meatballs to the pan.  Brown one side, flip carefully, and brown on the other side as well.
5. Once both sides of the meatballs are browned, add the marinara sauce to the pan.  Cover all the meatballs and let simmer for about 10 minutes.  Flip the meatballs halfway through to ensure even cooking.
6. Serve over pasta, top with fresh parsley & parmesan cheese, and enjoy!