Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs in Marinara Recipe

Introduction

Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs are a delicious twist on a classic favorite, featuring tender beef meatballs filled with gooey melted mozzarella. Served with marinara sauce and spaghetti, this comforting dish is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• ¼ cup Italian bread crumbs
• ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese (pre-grated from the jar)
• ¼ cup yellow onion, minced (about ¼ small onion)
• 2 teaspoons garlic, minced (about 2 cloves)
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, diced into ½ inch pieces
• Marinara sauce
• Spaghetti noodles

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, Italian bread crumbs, grated parmesan, minced onion, minced garlic, egg, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
3. Step 3: Take about 1 ½ tablespoons of the meat mixture and form it into a ball in your hand. Press a piece of diced mozzarella into the center, then shape the meat around the cheese to enclose it fully. Make the meatballs about 1 inch in diameter.
4. Step 4: Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through baking for even cooking.
5. Step 5: While the meatballs bake, cook the spaghetti noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
6. Step 6: Once the meatballs are baked, transfer them to a large saucepan or pot with the marinara sauce. Heat over medium-high heat until the sauce is warmed and the meatballs are well coated.
7. Step 7: Remove from heat and serve the mozzarella stuffed meatballs and sauce over the cooked spaghetti noodles.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh mozzarella for a creamier texture or smoked mozzarella for added flavor.
• If you prefer, substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
• Adding fresh basil or parsley to the meat mixture can enhance the herbaceous notes.
• For a spicier kick, stir in some red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce.

Storage

Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan with marinara sauce to keep them moist, or microwave covered for 1-2 minutes until warmed through. For longer storage, freeze the cooked meatballs in sauce for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these meatballs without breadcrumbs?

Yes, you can substitute breadcrumbs with crushed crackers, oats, or a gluten-free alternative. Keep in mind that breadcrumbs help with binding and texture.

How do I prevent mozzarella from leaking out during baking?

Make sure to fully enclose the cheese within the meat mixture and press firmly when shaping each meatball. Slightly smaller pieces of mozzarella help reduce leaking and ensure even melting inside.

Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs in Marinara Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 144 reviews

Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs are juicy, flavorful meatballs filled with gooey mozzarella cheese and baked to perfection. Served with classic marinara sauce and spaghetti noodles, this dish is a comforting Italian-style dinner that everyone will love.

• Author: Lila
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings (about 16 meatballs) 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meatball Mixture

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• ¼ cup Italian bread crumbs
• ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese (pre-grated from the jar)
• ¼ cup yellow onion, minced (about ¼ small onion)
• 2 teaspoons garlic, minced (about 2 cloves)
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper

Cheese Filling

• 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, diced into ½ inch pieces

Additional Ingredients

• Marinara sauce (quantity as desired)
• Spaghetti noodles (quantity as desired)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine 1 pound lean ground beef, ¼ cup Italian bread crumbs, ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese, ¼ cup minced yellow onion, 2 teaspoons minced garlic, 1 egg, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon dried basil, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon pepper. Mix gently until all ingredients are just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.
3. Shape Meatballs: Take about 1 ½ tablespoons of the meat mixture and form it into a small ball in your hand. Press a piece of the diced mozzarella cheese into the center, then continue shaping the meat around the cheese until you form a 1-inch diameter meatball with the cheese fully enclosed.
4. Bake Meatballs: Place the formed meatballs onto the prepared baking sheet, spaced evenly apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even cooking and browning.
5. Cook Spaghetti Noodles: While the meatballs are baking, prepare the spaghetti noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside once cooked.
6. Heat Sauce with Meatballs: After baking, transfer the meatballs to a large saucepan or pot. Add marinara sauce to cover the meatballs and cook over medium-high heat until the sauce is warmed through and the meatballs are well coated.
7. Serve: Remove the meatballs and sauce from heat and serve immediately over the cooked spaghetti noodles for a hearty and cheesy Italian meal.

Notes

• For even cooking, flip the meatballs halfway through baking.
• Make sure mozzarella pieces are fully enclosed to prevent cheese from leaking out during baking.
• You can use store-bought marinara sauce or homemade for a fresher taste.
• Leftover meatballs can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
• If you prefer a spicier sauce, add red pepper flakes to the marinara.

Keywords: mozzarella stuffed meatballs, baked meatballs, Italian meatballs, spaghetti and meatballs, cheesy meatballs