Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs Recipe

If you’re craving the perfect marriage of comfort food and gooey cheese pulls, Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs are about to become your new obsession. These meatballs are savory, tender, and packed with flavorful herbs, all hiding a melty, molten mozzarella center. Whether you’re piling them atop pasta, tucking them into a sub roll, or just enjoying them straight from the skillet, this dish is both crowd-pleasing and utterly satisfying. Each bite bursts with juicy meat and stringy cheese, making every meal feel a little celebratory.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how just a handful of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients come together to create the magic of Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs. Each one plays a special role, enhancing flavor, moisture, and texture for that classic Italian comfort.

• Ground Beef & Pork Blend: Blending the two gives these meatballs their juicy, tender texture and classic Italian flavor profile.
• Fresh Mozzarella Cheese: Opt for mozzarella pearls or cubes for easy stuffing and the ultimate cheese pull.
• Bread Crumbs: These help bind the mixture and keep your meatballs irresistibly soft inside.
• Milk: Hydrates the bread crumbs, so every bite stays moist instead of dry.
• Egg: Acts as a binder, ensuring that your meatballs hold together while staying tender.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic weaves in that aromatic, zesty kick you expect in Italian meatballs.
• Fresh Parsley: Adds bursts of color and a herbaceous lift to each bite.
• Grated Parmesan: Delivers salty, nutty depth—because you can never have too much cheese.
• Italian Seasoning: A perfect shortcut for classic flavor; a good pinch brings everything together.
• Salt & Pepper: Simple but essential for seasoning every layer.
• Olive Oil: For browning the meatballs and bringing a subtle richness.
• Marinara Sauce: Your favorite jarred or homemade sauce coats the meatballs in a delicious, tangy bath.

How to Make Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs

Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture

Start by soaking your bread crumbs in milk in a large mixing bowl until they’ve absorbed the liquid. Add the ground beef and pork, minced garlic, chopped parsley, grated parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and egg. Gently combine everything with your hands or a fork, making sure it stays light and airy—overmixing can make the meatballs tough.

Step 2: Shape and Stuff the Meatballs

Scoop out about two tablespoons of the meat mixture and flatten slightly in your palm. Press a piece of mozzarella into the center, then wrap the meat around the cheese, sealing it in completely. Roll between your hands to form a smooth, even ball, and repeat until all the meat mixture is used. It’s okay if a bit of cheese peeks out—it’ll just add to the appeal.

Step 3: Brown the Meatballs

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Carefully add the meatballs, working in batches if needed to avoid crowding. Brown them on all sides, turning gently with tongs. This step locks in flavor and ensures a lovely golden crust, which contrasts beautifully with the soft, cheesy interior.

Step 4: Simmer in Sauce

Once browned, remove excess oil from the pan, then return all the Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs and pour the marinara sauce over them. Lower the heat and let them simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes. The sauce bubbles into the meatballs, and the cheese inside gets perfectly melty and gooey. You’ll know they’re ready when the cheese starts to ooze out a bit and your kitchen smells irresistible.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once cooked through, spoon the hot Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs and plenty of sauce onto a serving platter or directly over pasta. Don’t forget an extra shower of fresh parsley and parmesan just before serving—they make each plate absolutely beautiful and aromatic.

How to Serve Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs

Garnishes

For an extra pop of color and flavor, sprinkle fresh parsley or basil leaves over the hot meatballs just before serving. A final dusting of grated parmesan adds a salty, savory finish, and a crack of black pepper gives a little zip.

Side Dishes

Nothing pairs with Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs quite like a heap of al dente spaghetti or creamy polenta. For a lighter spread, serve with a simple arugula salad or roasted vegetables. Don’t forget warm, crusty bread on the side to mop up every last drop of that luscious sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

These showstoppers aren’t just for pasta night! Try tucking them into toasted sub rolls for irresistible meatball sandwiches, or serve them appetizer-style with toothpicks at your next gathering. They’re also a hit piled onto mini sliders for a fun, cheesy twist on game day fare.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store them in an airtight container, nestled in their sauce to lock in moisture and flavor. The next day’s leftovers are often even better, as everything has had time to meld.

Freezing

These meatballs freeze incredibly well, either cooked or uncooked. Place cooled, cooked meatballs (or assembled, uncooked ones) on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months—perfect for make-ahead meal planning.

Reheating

To reheat, simmer the meatballs gently in sauce on the stovetop until hot throughout. For a quick single serving, the microwave works too—just cover them to retain moisture and prevent splattering. The gooey mozzarella center re-melts beautifully, returning these to their just-made glory.

FAQs

Can I use different types of cheese for stuffing?

Absolutely! While mozzarella melts with that signature stretchy pull, you can experiment with provolone, fontina, or even a bit of creamy ricotta tucked inside for a unique twist.

What meat combinations work best for Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs?

A blend of beef and pork is classic and brings that rich, juicy texture. However, you can swap in ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version—just note they’ll be a bit leaner, so don’t skimp on the seasonings.

Can I bake the meatballs instead of frying?

Yes! For an easy hands-off approach, arrange the stuffed meatballs on a foil-lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20–25 minutes, or until golden and cooked through. Add sauce at the end and bake another few minutes.

How do I keep the cheese from leaking out?

Be sure to completely enclose the mozzarella with meat, pinching the seam closed well. Chill the stuffed balls for 10–15 minutes before cooking; this helps them hold their shape and prevents premature cheese-melt.

Are Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs gluten-free?

They can be! Simply swap in your favorite gluten-free bread crumbs in the mixture. Make sure your marinara sauce is gluten-free as well for a fully gluten-free meal.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to surprise your family or impress your next dinner guests, give these Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs a try. They’re simple enough for weeknights but special enough to make any occasion feel like a celebration. Get ready for smiles, cheese pulls, and plenty of requests for seconds!

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