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Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 132 reviews

Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs feature juicy ground beef meatballs filled with gooey mozzarella cheese, baked to perfection and simmered in marinara sauce. Served over spaghetti noodles, this comforting Italian-inspired dish is ideal for a hearty weeknight dinner or special family meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatball Mixture

  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • ¼ cup Italian bread crumbs
  • ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese (pre-grated from the jar)
  • ¼ cup yellow onion, minced (about ¼ small onion)
  • 2 teaspoons garlic, minced (about 2 cloves)
  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon pepper

Stuffing

  • 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, diced into ½ inch pieces

Other Ingredients

  • Marinara sauce (quantity as desired for simmering)
  • Spaghetti noodles (quantity according to serving size)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
  2. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, add the lean ground beef, Italian bread crumbs, grated parmesan, minced onion, minced garlic, egg, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until all ingredients are just combined without overworking the meat.
  3. Shape Meatballs: Using about 1½ tablespoons of the meat mixture per ball, form a small ball in your hand. Place one piece of diced mozzarella cheese in the center, then carefully mold the meat around the cheese to fully enclose it. Aim for roughly 1-inch diameter meatballs.
  4. Bake Meatballs: Place the prepared meatballs evenly spaced on the lined baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, turning the meatballs halfway through to ensure even browning and cooking.
  5. Cook Spaghetti: While the meatballs bake, prepare the spaghetti noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside once cooked al dente.
  6. Simmer in Sauce: When meatballs are done baking, transfer them to a large saucepan or pot containing marinara sauce. Cook over medium-high heat until the sauce is hot and the meatballs are fully coated and warmed through, about 5 minutes.
  7. Serve: Remove from heat and plate the meatballs and sauce atop the cooked spaghetti noodles. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Use lean ground beef (90% lean or higher) for best results and less grease.
  • If you prefer, substitute mozzarella sticks or small balls (bocconcini) sliced into pieces for stuffing.
  • Baking the meatballs ensures they are evenly cooked and less greasy compared to frying.
  • Be careful not to overmix the meat mixture to keep meatballs tender.
  • Marinara sauce quantity can vary; use enough to generously coat the meatballs without making the dish watery.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keywords: mozzarella stuffed meatballs, baked meatballs, Italian meatballs, mozzarella cheese, spaghetti meatballs, marinara sauce, easy dinner, family meal

Find it online: https://famdishes.com/mozzarella-stuffed-meatballs-recipe/