Description
Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs are juicy, flavorful beef meatballs with a gooey mozzarella cheese center, simmered in marinara sauce and perfect for serving over pasta or on their own.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 large egg
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- ½ cup Panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 4 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese (cut into twelve ½-inch cubes)
- 1–2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, egg, onion, garlic, parsley, Panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly by hand until evenly incorporated.
- Cut fresh mozzarella into twelve ½-inch cubes.
- Scoop about 2 tablespoons of meat mixture into your palm, flatten slightly, and create a small indentation in the center. Place one mozzarella cube inside, then carefully fold meat around it, sealing completely. Roll into a ball. Repeat to form 12 meatballs.
- Heat olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add meatballs without overcrowding; brown for 2–3 minutes per side. Work in batches if needed.
- Pour marinara sauce over browned meatballs, ensuring they’re covered. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes, gently turning halfway through.
- Check one meatball for doneness (160°F internal temperature), ensuring mozzarella is melted inside and no pink remains.
- Serve meatballs and sauce over cooked pasta. Garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan.
Notes
- To ensure even cooking, make meatballs of consistent size.
- Feel free to adjust seasonings or add spice if preferred.
- You can prepare meatballs ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to cook.
- Best served over pasta, but can also be enjoyed as an appetizer.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 940mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
