Easy Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs Recipe

There's something magical about the combination of tender, flavorful meatballs and gooey, melted mozzarella cheese. These Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs are the ultimate comfort food—perfect for a cozy dinner or impressing your guests with minimal effort. With their cheesy core and savory Italian seasoning, they're sure to be a hit with the whole family.

I first made these meatballs on a whim for a casual Friday night dinner, and they’ve quickly become a household favorite. They're quick, simple, and irresistibly delicious—what more could you ask for? Let's dive into what makes these meatballs so special.

Why You'll Love These Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs

Get ready to fall in love with this crowd-pleasing recipe. Whether you're planning a weeknight meal or a party appetizer, these Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs have you covered.

First, they’re incredibly easy to prepare. With just a handful of ingredients and a simple method, even novice cooks can create these delectable bites.

The highlight of this recipe is its cheesy surprise. Each meatball is stuffed with a cube of mozzarella, so every bite offers a burst of creamy, melted cheese.

Another reason to adore this recipe? It’s versatile! Serve them as a main dish over pasta, tuck them into sub rolls for meatball sandwiches, or enjoy them on their own as a flavorful appetizer.

Finally, these meatballs are perfect for meal prep. They freeze beautifully, so you can make a big batch and enjoy them anytime the craving strikes.

Ready to bring some cheesy goodness to your table? Let’s talk ingredients!

Ingredients Notes

The key to perfect Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs lies in using the right ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need:

• Ground Beef (or a mix of ground beef and pork): For the juiciest and most flavorful meatballs, I recommend using an 80/20 ground beef mix. If you like a bit more flavor complexity, mix in ground pork or Italian sausage.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Fresh mozzarella is ideal for its creamy texture and superior melt. Cut it into small cubes about ½ inch in size to make stuffing the meatballs a breeze.
• Breadcrumbs: Use plain or Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs to help bind the meatballs and give them structure. For a gluten-free option, swap these with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
• Eggs: These act as a binder to hold everything together.
• Seasonings: A blend of garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper ensures your meatballs are bursting with flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a savory depth to the meat mixture. Freshly grated is always best if you have it.

You’ll also need a bit of olive oil for browning and marinara sauce for simmering. If you have a cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan, it’s perfect for this recipe.

How To Make These Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs

Creating these cheesy meatballs is as easy as 1-2-3. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a mouthwatering dish in no time.

1. Prepare the Meat Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, grated Parmesan, and seasonings. Use clean hands to mix until just combined—overmixing can make the meatballs tough.

2. Stuff and Shape the Meatballs

Cut your mozzarella cheese into small cubes. Take a portion of the meat mixture (about 2 tablespoons) and flatten it in your palm. Place a cube of mozzarella in the center, then gently wrap the meat around it, rolling it into a ball. Repeat until all the meat is used.

3. Brown the Meatballs

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Sear them on all sides until golden brown. This step locks in the juices and adds a flavorful crust.

4. Simmer in Sauce

Once browned, transfer the meatballs to a pot of warm marinara sauce. Cover and let them simmer for 15-20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together while ensuring the meatballs are fully cooked.

5. Serve and Enjoy

Serve your Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs over spaghetti, with a side of garlic bread, or on their own with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Prepare for the oohs and ahhs at the dinner table!

Storage Options

Leftovers? These meatballs are just as delicious the next day! Here’s how to store them:

• Refrigerate: Place cooled meatballs in an airtight container with a bit of sauce to keep them moist. They’ll stay fresh for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: For longer storage, arrange the meatballs on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, where they’ll keep for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: To reheat, simply warm the meatballs in a skillet with a bit of marinara sauce over low heat. Cover and let them heat through until the cheese is gooey again.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is incredibly adaptable. Here are some ideas to make it your own:

• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the meat mixture for a touch of heat.
• Different Cheeses: Swap mozzarella for cheddar, provolone, or even pepper jack for a fun twist.
• Turkey or Chicken: Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Just be mindful that these meats tend to cook faster.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour to keep the recipe suitable for gluten-free diets.
• Sauce Swap: Try Alfredo sauce or a pesto drizzle instead of marinara for a completely different flavor profile.

No matter how you tweak the recipe, you’re bound to end up with something delicious!

Ready to impress your family or guests? These Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs are the ultimate comfort food, bringing together gooey cheese, savory flavors, and endless versatility. Give them a try tonight—you won’t regret it!

Print