Stuffed Meatballs with Mozzarella Cheese – Easy & Delicious Dinner Recipe! 🍝🧀✨
1. Introduction
Looking for a quick dinner idea that combines the irresistible flavors of ground beef with gooey mozzarella cheese? These stuffed meatballs are not only super easy to make but also guaranteed to impress family and friends alike. Whether you’re searching for beef recipes for dinner or interesting food recipes, this stuffed meatball recipe ticks all the boxes. Perfect as a fast dinner or a hearty lunch, these stuffed meatballs are versatile, flavorful, and guaranteed to become a new favorite in your recipe collection.
2. Ingredient List for Stuffed Meatballs with Mozzarella
- 1 pound ground beef (preferably grass-fed or lean beef)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
3. Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Stuffed Meatballs with Mozzarella
3.1. Prepare the Meat Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated. For meatloaf recipes, similar seasonings work perfectly to add flavor.
3.2. Form the Meatballs
Take a small portion of the meat mixture and flatten it in your palm. Place a cube of mozzarella cheese in the center, then carefully mold the meat around the cheese, forming a tight ball. Repeat this process with the remaining mixture and cheese cubes.
3.3. Cook the Meatballs
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook until they are browned on all sides, about 8-10 minutes. Alternatively, you can bake these beef dinner favorites at 400°F for 20 minutes if you prefer baking.
3.4. Simmer in Marinara Sauce
Once browned, transfer the meatballs to a pot with 2 cups of marinara sauce. Cover and simmer on low heat for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the cheese to melt inside the meatballs, resulting in a cheesy flavor explosion.
4. Serving Suggestions for Stuffed Meatballs with Mozzarella
Serve these stuffed meatballs over a bed of cooked pasta or fresh zucchini noodles for a wholesome pasta meal. Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan for extra flavor. For a hearty lunch or dinner, pair with a side of garlic bread or a crisp green salad.
5. Storage Tips for Leftover Stuffed Meatballs
Leftover stuffed meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave until warmed through, or bake at 350°F for 10-15 minutes. For make-ahead convenience, freeze the cooked meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
6. Tips for Perfecting Your Stuffed Meatballs
- Use cold mozzarella to prevent it from melting too quickly during shaping.
- Ensure the meat mixture is not too wet or sticky, adding more breadcrumbs if necessary.
- Brown the meatballs evenly on all sides for maximum flavor and texture.
- Simmer in sauce to ensure the cheese inside melts perfectly and enhances the overall flavor.
7. Why These Meatballs Are a Must-Try
This recipe for stuffed meatballs with mozzarella combines the best elements of classic beef recipes with a cheesy surprise inside, making it an interesting food recipe that delights everyone at the dinner table. It’s a perfect example of easy meatball recipes that pack a punch of flavor in each bite.
8. Frequently Asked Questions About Stuffed Meatballs with Mozzarella
Q: Can I use other types of cheese in this recipe?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with cheeses like provolone, gouda, or even pepper jack for a different flavor twist.
Q: How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
A: Swap breadcrumbs with gluten-free bread crumbs or crushed rice crackers to keep the recipe gluten-free while maintaining the texture.
Q: Are these meatballs suitable for meal prep?
A: Yes! These stuffed meatballs store well and can be prepared ahead of time for a quick dinner during busy weekdays.
9. Conclusion
Incorporate these meatball recipes easy into your weekly meal plan for a delightful combination of juicy meat and melty mozzarella. Whether served over pasta or enjoyed on their own, these stuffed beef meatballs are a quick, satisfying, and flavorful dinner option that everyone will love. Try them today, and elevate your pasta or cheesy hashbrown casserole nights with this fantastic recipe. Happy cooking!
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Stuffed Meatballs with Mozzarella Cheese – Easy & Delicious Dinner Recipe!
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Nut-Free
Description
Discover how to make delicious stuffed meatballs with melted mozzarella cheese in this easy and flavorful dinner recipe! Perfect for a quick family meal or a comforting lunch, these cheesy meatballs are packed with savory flavors and gooey cheese inside a juicy beef ball. Serve them over pasta or enjoy them on their own for a satisfying experience.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (preferably grass-fed or lean beef)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Take a small portion of the meat mixture and flatten it in your palm. Place a cube of mozzarella cheese in the center, then carefully mold the meat around the cheese, forming a tight ball. Repeat with remaining mixture and cheese cubes.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook until browned on all sides, about 8-10 minutes. Alternatively, bake at 400°F for 20 minutes.
- Once browned, transfer the meatballs to a pot with marinara sauce. Cover and simmer on low for 10 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt inside and flavors to meld.
Notes
- Use cold mozzarella to prevent melting during shaping.
- If the meat mixture is too sticky, add more breadcrumbs for easier shaping.
- Brown the meatballs evenly on all sides for better flavor and texture.
- Simmer in sauce to ensure the cheese inside melts properly and enhances flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop, Baked
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 meatball
- Calories: 250 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
