Baked Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs are a delicious and satisfying dish that combines the flavors of juicy meatballs with gooey melted mozzarella cheese. Here’s a simple recipe for you to try:
Ingredients:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Mozzarella Filling:
- Mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes (enough for each meatball)
For the Sauce:
- 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Meat Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, minced garlic, egg, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Shape the Meatballs: Take a portion of the meat mixture and flatten it in your palm. Place a cube of mozzarella in the center, then form the meat around the cheese, sealing it well. Roll the meatball to make it round. Repeat for the remaining mixture.
- Arrange the Meatballs: Place the stuffed meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased. Make sure to space them apart.
- Bake: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until they are cooked through and browned on the outside.
- Warm the Marinara Sauce: While the meatballs are baking, warm the marinara sauce in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Finish in Sauce: Once the meatballs are done baking, transfer them to the saucepan with the marinara sauce. Gently stir to coat the meatballs with the sauce.
- Serve: Serve the baked mozzarella stuffed meatballs over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread. Garnish with additional Parmesan and chopped parsley if desired.
Enjoy your delicious baked mozzarella stuffed meatballs!
