Baked Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs are a delicious and satisfying dish that combines flavorful meatballs with gooey melted mozzarella cheese at the center. Here’s a simple recipe for you to try:
Ingredients:
For the meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef (or a mixture of beef and pork)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup milk
For the stuffing:
- Mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes
For the sauce:
- 2 cups marinara sauce
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the meatball mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, parsley, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, egg, and milk. Mix until well combined.
- Form the meatballs: Take a small amount of the meat mixture, flatten it in your palm, place a cube of mozzarella in the center, and encase the cheese with the meat, shaping it into a ball. Make sure the meatball is sealed well to prevent the cheese from leaking during baking. Repeat until all meatballs are formed.
- Arrange the meatballs: Place the stuffed meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a lightly greased baking dish.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until the meatballs are cooked through and browned on the outside.
- Heat the marinara sauce: While the meatballs are baking, heat the marinara sauce in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Serve: Once the meatballs are done, transfer them to a serving dish and pour the warm marinara sauce over them. Garnish with additional grated Parmesan and chopped parsley if desired.
- Enjoy: Serve the baked mozzarella stuffed meatballs over pasta, rice, or with a side of crusty bread for a complete and delicious meal.
Feel free to customize the recipe by adding your favorite herbs, spices, or adjusting the cheese stuffing to your liking. Enjoy your cheesy and flavorful baked mozzarella stuffed meatballs!