Smoked mozzarella stuffed meatballs are a flavorful and indulgent twist on traditional meatballs. Here’s a simple recipe for making smoked mozzarella stuffed meatballs:
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 salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Filling:
- Smoked mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes (one cube for each meatball)
For Assembly and Cooking:
- Marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Olive oil for cooking
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture:
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, minced garlic, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Form Meatballs:
- Take a small portion of the meat mixture and flatten it in your hand.
- Place a cube of smoked mozzarella in the center and form the meat around it, shaping it into a ball. Ensure the cheese is completely enclosed.
- Cook the Meatballs:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Brown the meatballs on all sides, turning them to ensure even cooking. This step is to sear the meatballs; they will finish cooking in the oven.
- Transfer to Oven:
- Once the meatballs are browned, transfer them to a baking dish or oven-safe skillet.
- Bake:
- Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes or until they are cooked through. The internal temperature should reach at least 160°F (71°C).
- Serve:
- Warm the marinara sauce in a saucepan.
- Serve the smoked mozzarella stuffed meatballs over a bed of pasta or with toothpicks as an appetizer.
- Spoon the marinara sauce over the meatballs before serving.
These smoked mozzarella stuffed meatballs are a delicious and cheesy treat, perfect for a hearty meal or a party appetizer. Adjust the seasoning and ingredients according to your taste preferences. Enjoy!
