Baked Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs

If you’re looking for a dinner that’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, these Baked Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs are your ticket to flavor town. Picture this: perfectly seasoned meatballs with a gooey, melty mozzarella center that oozes out as you bite into them. These savory, cheesy delights are baked to golden perfection, making them crisp on the outside and tender on the inside. Whether you serve them with pasta, in a sub sandwich, or just on their own, these meatballs are comfort food at its finest. And the best part? They’re so easy to make, you’ll want to whip up a batch every week. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you.

Why You’ll Love Baked Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs

Here’s why these cheesy meatballs are about to become your new favorite meal:

Versatile

These meatballs are perfect for any occasion! Serve them over spaghetti for a classic dish, place them in a sub roll with marinara and melted cheese for the ultimate sandwich, or just enjoy them as a savory appetizer. They can be dressed up or down depending on what you’re in the mood for.

Budget-Friendly

This recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry or fridge. Ground beef, breadcrumbs, and mozzarella come together to make a dish that’s both affordable and delicious.

Quick and Easy

Baking the meatballs in the oven is so much easier than frying them up on the stove, and it’s a much less messy way to get perfectly cooked meatballs every time. With a little prep, you’ll have these out of the oven and on your plate in under 30 minutes!

Customizable

Feel free to play around with the seasonings! If you like a bit of spice, toss in some red pepper flakes. Want to make it even more indulgent? Swap the mozzarella for another cheese like provolone or fontina. The possibilities are endless!

Crowd-Pleasing

These meatballs are perfect for family dinners, parties, or even a cozy night in. They’re cheesy, comforting, and packed with flavor—guaranteed to be a hit with both kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make these gooey, cheesy meatballs:

Ground Beef

The base of these meatballs. You want a good mix of lean and fat for a juicy, flavorful bite.

Mozzarella Cheese

The gooey, melty cheese center that makes these meatballs extra special. Use whole mozzarella balls, then cut them into small cubes to stuff inside each meatball.

Breadcrumbs

These help hold the meatballs together while keeping them light and tender. You can use regular or Italian-style breadcrumbs depending on what you have on hand.

Parmesan Cheese

Grated Parmesan adds depth and umami to the meatballs for an extra layer of flavor.

Eggs

Binding everything together, eggs ensure the meatballs hold their shape and stay moist.

Garlic Powder

A must-have seasoning for adding savory richness to the meatball mixture.

Dried Oregano and Basil

Classic Italian herbs that bring the perfect aromatic touch to these meatballs.

Salt & Pepper

Essential for seasoning and enhancing the natural flavors of the beef and cheese.

Marinara Sauce

For serving! You can go with your favorite store-bought sauce, or you can make your own if you’re feeling extra fancy.

Instructions

Let’s get cooking! These Baked Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs are simple to prepare and bake, and soon you’ll be indulging in cheesy, meaty perfection.

Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that the meatballs cook evenly and get that golden, crispy exterior.

Make the Meatball Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, eggs, garlic powder, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together until just combined—don’t overmix, or your meatballs will turn out tough.

Prepare the Mozzarella

Cut your mozzarella cheese into small cubes, roughly 1-inch in size. These little cubes will go right inside each meatball, giving you that delightful cheesy surprise.

Shape the Meatballs

Take a small amount of the meatball mixture and form a ball in your hands. Then, gently create a small pocket in the center and stuff it with a mozzarella cube. Carefully seal the meatball around the cheese so it stays hidden inside. Repeat this with the rest of the mixture.

Bake the Meatballs

Place the stuffed meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are golden brown and cooked through. If you’d like to give them a little extra crispiness, broil them for the last 2-3 minutes.

Serve with Marinara Sauce

Once the meatballs are done, remove them from the oven and let them rest for a couple of minutes. Serve them with your favorite marinara sauce on the side, or pour the sauce over the top if you like.

Serve and Enjoy!

Serve these cheesy, savory meatballs over spaghetti, in a sub roll, or just on their own as a tasty appetizer. Either way, they’re sure to be a hit!

Nutrition Facts

Here’s the nutritional breakdown for each serving of these mouthwatering meatballs:

• Servings: 4
• Calories per serving: 490
• Total Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 110mg
• Sodium: 680mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 3g
• Protein: 42g
• Vitamin D: 6% of daily value
• Calcium: 18% of daily value
• Iron: 15% of daily value

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Total Time: 30-35 minutes

How to Serve Baked Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs

These cheesy meatballs can be served in a variety of ways:

• Over Pasta: The classic choice! Serve these with spaghetti or your favorite pasta for a hearty, comforting meal.
• In a Sub Roll: For a fun twist, stuff these meatballs into a sub roll with marinara sauce and melted cheese for an amazing meatball sub sandwich.
• As an Appetizer: Serve them on their own with a side of marinara sauce for dipping—perfect for parties or game days.
• With a Salad: If you’re looking for a lighter option, serve these meatballs with a fresh side salad and a drizzle of balsamic vinaigrette.

Additional Tips

• Moisture Control: If your meatball mixture feels a little too wet, add a bit more breadcrumbs. If it’s too dry, add a little more egg.
• Make Ahead: You can prep these meatballs in advance. Just assemble them and store them in the fridge for up to a day before baking.
• Freezing Tip: You can freeze the uncooked meatballs for up to 3 months. Just place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to cook them, bake them directly from frozen for 25-30 minutes.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
A1: Yes! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative to beef, and it will still work beautifully in this recipe.

Q2: Can I make these meatballs without breadcrumbs?
A2: You can use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed crackers as a substitute. You can also use oats if you’re looking for a healthier option.

Q3: Can I freeze these meatballs after baking?
A3: Yes! Once baked, let the meatballs cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Q4: Can I use a different cheese for the stuffing?
A4: Absolutely! Provolone, fontina, or even cheddar would work well in place of mozzarella.

Q5: How do I know when the meatballs are done?
A5: Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You’ll also know they’re done when they’re golden brown on the outside.

Q6: Can I make these meatballs in advance?
A6: Yes! You can assemble the meatballs ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking them.

Q7: How do I reheat leftover meatballs?
A7: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes, or microwave for 1-2 minutes until heated through.

Q8: Can I make these meatballs without eggs?
A8: Yes! You can replace the eggs with a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water) or use a store-bought egg substitute.

Q9: How do I prevent the cheese from oozing out during baking?
A9: Make sure to seal the meatball mixture tightly around the cheese, and don’t overstuff them. This will help keep the cheese inside as they bake.

Q10: What can I serve these meatballs with?
A10: They’re great with pasta, in a sandwich, or alongside roasted vegetables or a simple green salad.

Conclusion

These Baked Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs are pure comfort food, combining the flavors of Italian classics with the irresistible gooeyness of melted cheese. They’re easy to make, packed with flavor, and incredibly versatile. Whether you serve them with pasta or on their own, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy every cheesy, meaty bite!

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