Get ready to fall in love with Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs, the ultimate comfort food that’s bursting with gooey cheese and savory Italian flavor. Imagine tender, juicy meatballs with a heart of melty mozzarella, simmered in a rich tomato sauce. Each bite brings an explosion of taste and texture, making these meatballs a total crowd-pleaser—whether you’re spicing up spaghetti night, building the world’s greatest sub sandwich, or serving an appetizer your friends won’t forget. Once you discover these beauties, you may never go back to plain meatballs again!

Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are all about classic, satisfying flavors. The list is short, but each component brings something special to your Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs—don’t shy away from picking the best quality you can find, because every bite is worth it!

Ground beef (80/20 blend): Choose a blend that boasts a bit of fat for truly juicy meatballs.
Italian sausage: Adds extra flavor and just enough spice—mild or hot, dealer’s choice!
Panko breadcrumbs: These give our meatballs their soft, tender crumb.
Milk: Helps hydrate the breadcrumbs to ensure every bite stays moist.
Large egg: The binding magic that keeps everything together.
Parmesan cheese, grated: Adds nuttiness and depth to the meatball mixture.
Fresh parsley, chopped: For a burst of color and a hint of herbaceous freshness.
Garlic, minced: Essential Italian flavor—don’t be shy!
Salt and black pepper: Season generously for best results.
Mozzarella cheese, cubed: The star of the show! Use low-moisture block mozzarella for optimal meltiness.
Olive oil: For browning and a little Mediterranean flair.
Marinara sauce: Choose your favorite jarred variety or make your own for extra love.

How to Make Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs

Step 1: Combine Meatball Ingredients

Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl. Add the ground beef, Italian sausage, panko breadcrumbs, milk, egg, grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, minced garlic, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Mix everything together by hand—gently! The idea is to combine everything evenly without compacting it too much, which keeps the meatballs light and tender.

Step 2: Form and Stuff the Meatballs

Scoop a mound of the meat mixture (about the size of a golf ball) and flatten it slightly in your palm. Place a cube of mozzarella right in the middle, then wrap the meat around it and roll gently to seal, making sure there are no cracks for cheese to escape. This step is where Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs really get their wow factor—you’re about to create that magical melty center!

Step 3: Brown the Meatballs

Heat a generous drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, add the stuffed meatballs in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Brown them on all sides, turning gently as you go. The goal isn’t to cook them through at this point—just to lock in that juicy flavor and get some beautiful color.

Step 4: Simmer in Marinara Sauce

Once all meatballs are browned, pour out any excess oil and return them to the pan (or use a wide saucepan). Pour in the marinara sauce until the meatballs are mostly covered. Cover and simmer on low heat for 20-25 minutes. This finishes cooking them gently and infuses each meatball with the sauce’s rich tomato flavor, letting the mozzarella inside melt into absolute bliss.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Carefully spoon your Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs onto a serving plate, making sure no gooey cheese escapes. Top with extra Parmesan, fresh parsley, or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper if you’re feeling spicy. Gather everyone around the table and dig in—the melted cheese reveal is always a showstopper!

How to Serve Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs

Garnishes

Garnish these beauties with a shower of freshly grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of chopped parsley for a pop of color. If you love a touch of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes brings a nice contrast. Don’t forget a drizzle of good olive oil over the top for that professional Italian finish!

Side Dishes

Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs are a comfort food dream with a side of garlic bread or warm focaccia to mop up every drop of sauce. For a classic touch, serve with al dente spaghetti or creamy polenta. Roasted vegetables, like broccoli or zucchini, make a hearty and colorful addition to round out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful by nestling these meatballs inside crusty sub rolls for an unforgettable meatball sandwich, or pile them onto toothpicks for a cocktail party appetizer that will have your guests swooning. For family-style dinners, serve on a platter surrounded by fresh basil and extra marinara for dipping.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply store them in an airtight container along with any remaining sauce to lock in the flavor and moisture. They’re just as satisfying rewarmed for lunch as they were the night before!

Freezing

These meatballs freeze like a dream. Arrange cooled, cooked meatballs (with or without sauce) in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months and make an easy, satisfying dinner on busy nights.

Reheating

Reheat meatballs gently on the stove with a splash of water in the sauce, covered, until hot and cheese inside is melty—about 10 minutes. For leftovers stashed in the microwave, use short bursts and cover the bowl so everything heats evenly and stays juicy.

FAQs

Can I make Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs with ground turkey or chicken?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works well for a lighter alternative. Just watch your cooking time—leaner meats dry out faster, so simmer them gently and maybe add a touch more milk or olive oil to your mixture.

What’s the best mozzarella to use?

For Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs, block-style low-moisture mozzarella is ideal. It holds its shape when stuffing and gets perfectly gooey without leaking too much into the sauce. Fresh mozzarella is delicious but tends to be a bit too watery for the filling.

Can I bake the meatballs instead of browning them in a pan?

Definitely! Arrange the stuffed meatballs on a parchment-lined sheet pan, spray or brush lightly with olive oil, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 15 minutes, then transfer to a pot of simmering sauce to finish cooking and infuse flavor.

How do I keep the meatballs from falling apart?

Make sure you use enough binding agents—like the egg and soaked breadcrumbs—and don’t overwork the meat mixture. When forming the meatballs, press just enough to seal around the cheese cube but not so tightly that they become dense.

Can I prepare Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, and it’s a great time-saver! You can form and stuff the raw meatballs a day ahead, then refrigerate until you’re ready to brown and cook them. Or, make the entire batch and reheat gently when your guests arrive.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a dish that’s fun to make and gets rave reviews every single time, Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs are it! This recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that transforms any meal into a celebration of flavor and comfort. Give them a try and get ready to add a new family favorite to your repertoire!

Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs Recipe