Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs are a tasty Italian dish. They mix tender meatballs with gooey cheese. This recipe is easy and great for families, using ground beef, herbs, and mozzarella.
The meatballs are baked in marinara sauce. They’re perfect over pasta for a full meal.
Table of Contents
Introduction to Stuffed Meatballs
Stuffed meatballs are a fancy take on the usual meatball. They have a secret – a gooey, melted cheese inside. Mozzarella cheese is a favorite for this, adding a creamy taste that goes well with the meat.
What Are Stuffed Meatballs?
Stuffed meatballs are like regular meatballs but with a twist. They have a pocket in the middle for cheese or herbs. When cooked, the cheese melts and oozes out, making each bite special.
The Appeal of Mozzarella Stuffing
Mozzarella cheese is loved for stuffing meatballs because it melts well and tastes mild. When cooked, it becomes soft and stretchy, adding a nice texture. It also adds a rich flavor that matches the meat’s seasonings.
Meatballs with melted mozzarella are a hit with everyone. They make a simple dish into something amazing, perfect for impressing your loved ones.
Ingredients You Will Need
To make tasty beef stuffed meatballs, you need quality ground meat and tasty seasonings. Start with 1.5 pounds of lean ground beef (15% fat). You can mix ground beef, pork, and veal for more flavor.
Ground Meat Options
- Lean ground beef (85/15 ratio)
- Ground pork and ground sirloin (1:1 ratio)
- Ground chicken or turkey for a lighter alternative
Essential Herbs and Spices
- Dried basil
- Dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Smoked paprika
Mozzarella and Other Cheeses
For the cheese filling, use small fresh mozzarella balls or cut larger mozzarella into small cubes. You can also add grated Parmesan or cubed sharp cheddar for extra flavor.
You’ll also need breadcrumbs, milk, eggs, onion, and garlic. These help bind the meatball mixture and add moisture and flavor. With these ingredients, you’ll make delicious beef stuffed meatballs and ground meat meatball fillings that everyone will enjoy.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Lean ground beef | 1.5 pounds |
| Italian sausage | 0.5 pound |
| Sweet onion | 0.5 small |
| Plain breadcrumbs | 0.75 cup |
| Milk | 0.25 cup |
| Large eggs | 1 |
| Grated Parmesan | 0.33 cup |
| Chopped fresh parsley | 0.33 cup |
| Minced garlic | 3 cloves |
| Italian seasoning | 1.5 teaspoons |
| Salt | 0.5 teaspoon |
| Black pepper | 0.5 teaspoon |
| Mozzarella cheese sticks | 4 |
Tools and Equipment Required
Making tasty stuffed meatballs is easier with the right tools. You’ll need everything from mixing bowls to baking sheets. Let’s look at what you need to make your baked stuffed meatballs perfectly.
Mixing Bowls and Utensils
Begin with a big, strong mixing bowl for your meatball mix. A 2-quart oven-safe dish is great for baking. Use a 1/4 cup scoop or cookie disher to make meatballs the same size. If you want, a food processor can help make fresh breadcrumbs.
Baking Sheet and Parchment Paper
To bake your stuffed meatballs, you’ll need a baking sheet with parchment paper. This stops them from sticking and makes cleaning up easy. The parchment paper also helps them cook evenly and brown nicely.
Cooking Thermometer
A meat thermometer is key to cooking your stuffed meatballs just right. It lets you check the inside temperature. It should be at least 160°F for safety.
| Essential Tools | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Large Mixing Bowl | 1 |
| 2-Quart Oven-Safe Dish | 1 |
| 1/4 Cup Scoop or Cookie Disher | 1 |
| Food Processor (optional) | 1 |
| Rimmed Baking Sheet | 1 |
| Parchment Paper | 1 roll |
| Meat Thermometer | 1 |
With these tools, you’re ready to make delicious stuffed meatballs. They’re sure to impress your family and friends.
Preparing the Meatball Mixture
To make the perfect Italian stuffed meatballs, start by mixing the ingredients in a big bowl. Combine 1 1/2 pounds of ground beef, 1/2 pound of ground sausage, and 1/4 cup of garlic bread crumbs. Add 3 tablespoons of heavy cream, 12 shakes of hot sauce, 1 large egg, 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Don’t forget to mix in the minced garlic too.
Combining Ingredients Thoroughly
Use your hands to mix the ingredients well. Be gentle to keep the meatballs tender and juicy. After mixing, let the mixture rest in the fridge for 10 minutes before shaping the meatballs.
Tips for Optimal Flavor
- Use fresh herbs like basil and oregano for the best flavor.
- Make sure your spices are fresh to boost the taste.
- Grate the Parmesan cheese fresh for a nutty aroma.
By following these tips, you’ll make a meatball mixture full of Italian flavors. Your meatball stuffing ingredients and Italian stuffed meatballs will be irresistible.
Stuffing the Meatballs
Making the perfect cheesy stuffed meatballs is all about technique. You need to make a pocket in each meatball for the mozzarella filling. Here’s how to do it:
- Use a 1/4 cup scoop to portion the meatball filling recipes into evenly sized portions.
- Flatten each portion into a flat disk in the palm of your hand.
- Place a small cube of mozzarella cheese in the center of the disk.
- Carefully fold the edges of the meat up and around the cheese, ensuring it’s completely enclosed.
- Gently reshape the meatball, making sure there are no openings where the cheese could leak out during cooking.
The secret is to seal the cheese well so it stays gooey when you eat the cheesy stuffed meatballs. With a bit of practice, you’ll master stuffing these meatballs.
“The secret to the perfect stuffed meatball is all in the technique. Take your time and create a tight seal around the cheese to lock in that ooey-gooey goodness.”
Cooking Methods for Stuffed Meatballs
Baking and simmering on the stovetop are top choices for baked stuffed meatballs. It’s key to make sure they hit 160°F (71°C) for juicy, tasty stuffed meatballs.
Baking in the Oven
Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Put the baked stuffed meatballs in a greased 2-quart dish. Cover them with marinara sauce and bake for 1 to 1.5 hours. This slow cooking melts the cheese and cooks the meat perfectly.
Stovetop Cooking Tips
Start by browning the stuffed meatballs in a skillet over medium-high. Then, lower the heat and simmer in sauce for 20-30 minutes. This lets the flavors blend well. You can also use an air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for about 12 minutes.
Use a meat thermometer to check the stuffed meatballs reach 160°F (71°C) before serving.
| Cooking Method | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Baking in the Oven | 350°F (175°C) | 1 to 1.5 hours |
| Stovetop Simmering | Medium-high heat | 20-30 minutes |
| Air Frying | 400°F (200°C) | 12 minutes |
Choosing the right cooking method is important for stuffed meatballs. Make sure they’re cooked well and the cheese is melted. With some care, you’ll make a dish that everyone will love.
Making the Sauce
To go with the tasty Italian stuffed meatballs, you’ll need a flavorful sauce. You can use a good jarred marinara sauce to save time. But, making your own tomato sauce is easy and worth it.
Homemade Tomato Sauce Recipe
Begin by cooking diced onions and minced garlic in olive oil over medium heat. They should be fragrant and clear. Next, add a can of plum tomatoes, crushed by hand or with a fork.
Then, sprinkle in dried basil, oregano, a bit of sugar, salt, and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes. Stir it a few times until it thickens to your liking.
Alternative Sauce Options
- For a creamy side, try an Alfredo sauce. It’s a rich white sauce with butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese.
- For a spicy kick, go for an arrabbiata sauce. It’s a tomato-based sauce with crushed red pepper flakes.
Whichever sauce you pick, it will make your stuffed meatballs recipe even better. It will turn your meal into a delicious and satisfying dish.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoying these stuffed meatballs recipe is a treat. They go well with many sides and main dishes. This lets you make the meal just how you like it.
Pairing with Pasta
Try them over spaghetti or your favorite pasta. The meatballs and tomato sauce mix perfectly. Add Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor.
Toppings and Garnishes
- Chopped fresh basil leaves add a nice herbal taste.
- Drizzle olive oil and sprinkle red pepper flakes for heat.
- Top with ricotta cheese or mozzarella for creaminess.
“These mozzarella-filled Italian meatballs are a family-favorite dish that I can never get enough of. The combination of tender, flavorful meatballs and melty cheese is simply irresistible!”
These stuffed meatballs are also great as appetizers. Serve them with toothpicks for easy eating. They’re perfect for parties and gatherings.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Enjoy the delicious mozzarella-stuffed meatballs even after the initial meal. Learn how to properly store and reheat the leftovers. With the right techniques, you can savor these flavorful bites for days to come.
Proper Storage Techniques
To keep your leftover stuffed meatballs fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer-term storage, freeze the meatballs for up to 3 months.
Before freezing, let the meatballs cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
Best Reheating Methods
When you’re ready to enjoy your leftover stuffed meatballs, there are a few effective reheating options. For the oven, place the meatballs and their sauce in a covered baking dish. Warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through, about 20-25 minutes.
Alternatively, you can reheat the meatballs on the stovetop. Gently warm them in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally. This will make them hot and steamy.