Easy Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs
Juicy, cheesy, and bursting with flavor, these Easy Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs are a delightful twist on a classic comfort food, featuring a gooey mozzarella center.
Ingredients
Meatball Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef Use a combination of lean and slightly higher-fat beef for moisture.
- 1 cup breadcrumbs Use gluten-free breadcrumbs if desired.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley Fresh parsley adds flavor and color.
- 1 large egg Acts as a binder for the meatballs.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder You can add fresh garlic for more flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- to taste Salt Adjust according to preference.
- to taste Pepper Adjust according to preference.
- 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes This is the 'surprise' ingredient in the meatballs.
- 2 cups homemade or store-bought tomato sauce Use your favorite sauce to enhance flavor.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Take a small amount of the meat mixture, flatten it in your palm, and place a cube of mozzarella cheese in the center. Fold the meat around the cheese to form a ball. Repeat for all the mixture.
- Place the meatballs on a baking sheet, ensuring they aren’t touching to allow even cooking.
Cooking
- Bake the meatballs for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
- In a large skillet, heat the tomato sauce over medium heat. Add the baked meatballs to the skillet and simmer for 5-10 minutes.
Serving
- Serve warm as a snack or appetizer, with suggestions for toppings or sides.
Notes
Chill the formed meatballs for about 30 minutes before baking to retain their shape. You can also customize the flavors by adding different herbs or spices.