Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs

Mozzarella stuffed meatballs were my ultimate comfort food discovery during a chilly winter evening when all I wanted was something warm cheesy and ridiculously satisfying so I decided to surprise my family with a twist on our usual meatball night and they absolutely loved the melty center.

Now every time I make these the smell of garlic herbs and bubbling marinara fills the kitchen and I get excited knowing I’ll get that stringy cheesy pull in every bite because this recipe turns an everyday meal into something that feels special without adding much extra effort.

Ingredients :

Here’s what I use for this recipe. You can always make substitutions if you prefer!

• Ground beef – The base of the meatballs giving them richness and flavor
• Mozzarella cheese – The gooey surprise hidden in the center of each meatball
• Breadcrumbs – Helps bind the mixture and keep the meatballs tender
• Egg – Adds structure and helps hold everything together
• Garlic – Gives the meatballs a bold aromatic flavor
• Parmesan cheese – Adds sharpness and depth to the meat mixture
• Italian seasoning – Brings out classic savory herbs like oregano and basil
• Salt & pepper – Enhances all the other flavors
• Marinara sauce – A cozy bath for the meatballs that adds tang and moisture
• Fresh parsley – Adds a pop of freshness and color right before serving

Tools You’ll Need

• Large mixing bowl – To combine all the meatball ingredients evenly
• Spoon or cookie scoop – For shaping uniform meatballs quickly and cleanly
• Baking dish or oven-safe skillet – To bake and hold the sauce and meatballs together
• Knife – For cutting the mozzarella into cube-sized pieces
• Oven – For baking the meatballs to golden cheesy perfection

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

I always begin by preheating my oven to 400°F to make sure it’s ready once the meatballs are assembled.

Step 2: Mix the Meatball Base

In a large bowl I mix together the ground beef breadcrumbs egg garlic Parmesan cheese Italian seasoning and a good pinch of salt and pepper until everything is just combined.

Step 3: Stuff with Cheese

I cut the mozzarella into small cubes then take a scoop of the meat mixture flatten it in my palm place a piece of cheese in the center and wrap the meat around it to form a ball making sure the cheese is completely sealed inside.

Step 4: Arrange in Baking Dish

I place the stuffed meatballs in a greased baking dish with a little space between each then spoon marinara sauce over the top to keep them moist and flavorful as they bake.

Step 5: Bake

I bake them for about 20 to 25 minutes or until the meat is cooked through and the cheese is bubbling inside sometimes I even broil them for 1 to 2 minutes at the end to get a golden top.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven I sprinkle chopped parsley on top and serve them hot either over pasta or with crusty bread to scoop up the extra sauce.

Tips

If you want extra flavor I sometimes add a bit of onion powder or red pepper flakes to the meat mixture

I always check that the cheese cubes are fully enclosed in meat to avoid leaks

You can prep these in advance and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake

Ways to Serve

Over spaghetti or your favorite pasta for a cozy Italian dinner

As sliders tucked into soft buns with a little extra marinara and cheese

On a platter with toothpicks as a party appetizer that always disappears fast

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs?

Yes! You can freeze them either before or after baking just store in an airtight container and reheat in the oven or microwave.

What kind of mozzarella works best?

I prefer block mozzarella cut into cubes because it melts better and holds its shape inside the meatball but mozzarella pearls work too.

Can I use turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Just be sure to add a little extra seasoning and don’t overbake to keep them juicy.

See You in the Kitchen

I hope you try these mozzarella stuffed meatballs soon! They’re so cheesy satisfying and fun to make and I’d love to hear how yours turn out. Let me know in the comments or share a picture of your cheesy masterpiece.

Happy Cooking!

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