Mozzarella Stuffed Homemade Meatballs

Picture this: golden brown, perfectly seasoned meatballs that, when bitten into, reveal a gooey, melty core of mozzarella cheese that surprises and delights. Sounds tempting, right? Mozzarella Stuffed Homemade Meatballs are the epitome of comfort food, marrying savory meat with a creamy center. They make for an impressive dish for family gatherings or cozy winter evenings at home, bringing everyone together over a delicious meal.

Fun fact: Did you know that meatballs have been enjoyed in many cultures with variations in spices and ingredients? To me, there’s just something special about making them from scratch, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. If you’ve enjoyed any of my other recipes, like the Spicy Chicken Meatballs, you’ll know how joyous cooking can be when you let your creativity flow in the kitchen. Let’s dive into this recipe and discover why Mozzarella Stuffed Homemade Meatballs should have a permanent spot in your meal rotation!

What is Mozzarella Stuffed Homemade Meatballs?

Ah, the name “Mozzarella Stuffed Homemade Meatballs”—is there anything more mouthwatering? How could something so fun and delicious just be meatballs? It almost sounds like something out of a fairytale where every bite brings joy! I can just imagine kids and adults alike gathering around the table, eagerly anticipating that cheesy surprise within. After all, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” right? Let’s be honest, winning hearts is precisely what these meatballs do. If you’re looking to impress someone or simply want a satisfying dinner, these meatballs are your ticket! So, grab your apron, and let’s get rolling!

Why You’ll Love This Mozzarella Stuffed Homemade Meatballs

These Mozzarella Stuffed Homemade Meatballs shine as a main dish that’s not only satisfying but also packed with flavor. Imagine biting into a tender meatball, with the rich taste of beef or chicken combined with melty mozzarella—heavenly! Plus, making them at home saves money compared to pricey restaurant meals. Say goodbye to takeout and hello to a wallet-friendly option that bursts with flavor!

And let’s not forget about toppings! A sprinkling of fresh parsley or a drizzle of homemade marinara can elevate these meatballs to the next level. If you’ve ever enjoyed spaghetti and meatballs, think of this dish as an exciting twist that offers even more flavor and texture. Trust me; your family will be asking for seconds! So why not give these Mozzarella Stuffed Homemade Meatballs a try for your next family gathering?

How to Make Mozzarella Stuffed Homemade Meatballs

Quick Overview

The beauty of this Mozzarella Stuffed Homemade Meatballs recipe lies in its simplicity. In just about 30 minutes of preparation, you’ll have these scrumptious meatballs ready to bake. With that perfect combination of sturdiness on the outside and a gooey mozzarella center, you’ll wonder how something so astonishingly delicious can be so easy to make!

Key Ingredients for Mozzarella Stuffed Homemade Meatballs

To whip up these delightful meatballs, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef or chicken (preferably Halal-certified)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup fresh mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large egg
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, etc.)
• 1 cup marinara sauce (for serving)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making Mozzarella Stuffed Homemade Meatballs is easier than you think! Here’s how to do it:

1. Preheat your oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare the meat mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef or chicken, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, parsley, onion, garlic, egg, salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Mix until just combined—avoid handling too much, or the meatballs might turn dense!
3. Form the meatballs: Take a generous handful of the mixture and make a ball about the size of a golf ball; then, press your thumb into the center to create a small pocket. Place a cube of mozzarella in the pocket and gently reshape the meat around it, ensuring no cheese is visible.
4. Arrange on a baking sheet: Place the stuffed meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced out for even cooking.
5. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes or until the meatballs are cooked through and golden brown.
6. Serve: Remove from the oven and serve them warm with marinara sauce on the side.

Top Tips for Perfecting Mozzarella Stuffed Homemade Meatballs

• Substitutions: If you’re looking for a lighter option, try using ground turkey or even a mix of poultry and lean beef.
• Keep it moist: Adding a splash of milk can help keep the mixture moist and tender.
• Avoid dense meatballs: Be gentle while mixing; overworking the meat can lead to tough results.
• Timing is key: Check for doneness with a meat thermometer (should reach 165°F for poultry).

With these pro tips, you’ll be scored points for both flavor and texture whether you’re a novice cook or an experienced chef!

Storing and Reheating Tips

Have leftovers? No problem! Mozzarella Stuffed Homemade Meatballs can be stored in the fridge for 3–4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. For best results, allow them to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container.

When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheating is best done in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10–15 minutes until warmed through. You can also add a bit of marinara sauce to the dish before reheating to keep them moist.

Now that you have all the details, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and make these irresistible Mozzarella Stuffed Homemade Meatballs. Happy cooking!

Mozzarella Stuffed Homemade Meatballs

Delicious meatballs stuffed with gooey mozzarella cheese, perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 250

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Meatball Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef or chicken (preferably Halal-certified) Choose your preferred meat.
• 1 cup breadcrumbs This helps bind the meatballs.
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese Adds flavor and creaminess.
• 1/2 cup fresh mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes Ensure cheese is fresh for best results.
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped Adds freshness and color.
• 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped You can use sweet or yellow onion.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced Enhances the meatball's flavor.
• 1 large egg Acts as a binder for the meat mixture.
• to taste Salt and pepper Season to your preference.
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, etc.) Gives a classic Italian flavor.

For Serving

• 1 cup marinara sauce Serve alongside meatballs.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef or chicken, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, parsley, onion, garlic, egg, salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Mix until just combined.
3. Take a generous handful of the mixture and form a ball about the size of a golf ball; press your thumb into the center to create a small pocket.
4. Place a cube of mozzarella in the pocket and gently reshape the meat around it, ensuring no cheese is visible.
5. Place the stuffed meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced out for even cooking.

Cooking

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes or until the meatballs are cooked through and golden brown.
2. Remove from the oven and serve warm with marinara sauce on the side.

Notes

Store leftovers in the fridge for 3–4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for best results.