Looking for a delicious and easy-to-make dish for your next gathering? Look no further than these Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs! Packed with flavor and a gooey cheese center, these meatballs are sure to impress your guests and become a new favorite in your recipe collection.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Bursting with great flavors from garlic, parsley, and parmesan cheese
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for a weeknight meal or special occasion
- The melted mozzarella cheese center adds a delightful surprise to every bite
Ingredient Notes:
- Plain breadcrumbs (gluten-free is okay) provide a crispy coating for the meatballs
- Ground chicken, turkey, or lean beef forms the base of the meatball mixture
- Garlic cloves and fresh chopped parsley add aromatic flavors
- A beaten egg binds the ingredients together
- Grated parmesan cheese enhances the savory taste
- Dried oregano, sweet paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper provide seasoning
- Baby mozzarella balls (bocconcini) create a melty cheese center
- Extra virgin olive oil for browning the meatballs
- Pasta sauce, homemade or store-bought marinara, brings everything together
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Heat the oven to °F and prepare breadcrumbs on a plate.
- Mix ground meat, garlic, parsley, egg, parmesan, breadcrumbs, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Form meatballs, stuff with mozzarella, and coat in breadcrumbs.
- Brown meatballs in olive oil, then add sauce and bake.
- Serve hot and enjoy the cheesy goodness!
Helpful Tips:
- For extra flavor, try using different types of cheese or adding herbs like basil or thyme to the meatball mixture.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and double-check the pasta sauce ingredients.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave for a quick meal.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Use cold ingredients for better meatball texture.
- Don’t overmix the meatball mixture to avoid tough meatballs.
- Allow the meatballs to rest before serving to let the flavors meld.
Serving Suggestions:
Pair these Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs with spaghetti, garlic bread, and a green salad for a complete meal. Serve with a glass of red wine or a refreshing lemonade for a perfect combination.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
Store any leftover meatballs in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at °F until heated through for a quick and easy meal option.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use ground pork instead of chicken or beef?
Yes, feel free to substitute ground pork for a different flavor profile. - Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the meatballs and store them in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. - Can I bake the meatballs instead of pan-frying them?
Yes, you can bake the meatballs in the oven at °F until cooked through.
Conclusion:
These Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs are a fun and delicious twist on a classic dish that will delight your taste buds. Give this recipe a try and let us know how it turned out – we’d love to hear your feedback!
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Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs are a delicious twist on classic meatballs, with gooey mozzarella in the center. Perfect for a comforting family dinner.
Ingredients
- 2/3 cup plain breadcrumbs
- 1 pound ground meat (chicken, turkey, or beef)
- 3 garlic cloves
- 1 cup fresh parsley
- 1 raw egg
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp sweet paprika
- Kosher salt and black pepper to taste
- 20 baby mozzarella balls
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Pasta sauce
Instructions
- Prepare breadcrumbs: Heat oven to 400°F. Prepare half of the breadcrumbs on a large plate.
- Make meatball mixture: Combine ground meat, garlic, parsley, egg, parmesan, breadcrumbs, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Form and stuff meatballs: Create meatballs, stuff with mozzarella, and coat in breadcrumbs.
- Brown meatballs: Brown meatballs in olive oil.
- Add sauce and bake: Pour sauce over meatballs, cover, and bake until cooked through.
Notes
- Shape meatballs in advance and store in the fridge.
- Freeze uncooked meatballs in layers with parchment paper between.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 meatball
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg