These perfectly seasoned, ooey gooey Mozzarella-Stuffed Meatballs make every plate of pasta better.
I’m known in my family for making ornate, over-the-top dishes with all the fixings and homemade sides, even if it’s just for a random Tuesday night dinner for two. But the second my husband leaves town for a few days, I practically live in my pajamas and hardly bother to cook—I just grab a handful of this or that, or a bag of frozen pizza rolls or meatballs from the store for dinner. I don’t know why I’m like this, but I have a feeling some folks out there can relate.
My husband leaves town a lot in the summer, though, and I can’t just slob around for half the summer. So in an effort to… well, make an effort, I decided I’m going to make those freezer-aisle favorites myself when he’s out of town. First on the list is meatballs! I love meatballs so much, and I have lots of different recipes for them, but I wanted something a little different to kickstart my “effort.”
Introducing mozzarella-stuffed meatballs! This recipe tickles my fancy because of my need for cheese at every meal, plus you can eat them with or without pasta and sauce, which jives with my meal habits when I’m eating by myself. These meatballs are made with garlic, Parmesan, oregano, and breadcrumbs and are salted just right. But the best part, by far, is the gooey, melty mozzarella in the middle. It’s like a secret surprise!
Are These Mozzarella-Stuffed Meatballs Healthy?
In some ways, these meatballs can be seen as healthy. This recipe uses lean ground beef, so there’s less saturated fat than there would be otherwise with a fattier type of beef. Beef is full of protein and B vitamins, along with important minerals like iron and potassium. Both mozzarella and Parmesan cheese contain protein and calcium, but also add some fat. The breadcrumbs add a nice texture and flavor, along with some carb content.
Overall, this recipe is high in calories, and I wouldn’t call it low-fat, but these meatballs have plenty of nutrition and can serve as the base for a healthy meal. Serve them with some healthy sides, like grilled vegetables and brown rice, to complete the meal. Or, go full-send and make spaghetti and meatballs! The choice is yours.
The Secret To The Best Meatballs
How do you get the most delicious meatballs? Brown them in a skillet before baking. Though these mozzarella-stuffed meatballs are finished in the oven, cooking them in a skillet beforehand gives the meatballs that wonderful crisp on the outside. That crispy exterior and warm, tender interior is what makes a stuffed meatball heavenly.
Another tip for great meatballs is to mix everything together before adding the meat. Adding the breadcrumbs and eggs together first, then adding all the other dry ingredients, allows the moisture and flavor to meld, which means every bite of meatball will have the right amount of seasoning.
One more thing: Be gentle when you mix in the meat. The less ground beef is worked, the more tender it is when cooked. Try mixing it up with a large fork before using your hands; you might end up not needing to use your hands at all!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftover mozzarella-stuffed meatballs are a quick meal for dinner, lunch, or a hearty snack. Once they are cooked and cooled to room temperature, place the meatballs in a food-safe storage bag or an airtight container and put them in the refrigerator. You can store them in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze meatballs in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Let them thaw in the fridge before reheating. You can reheat them any way you like: oven, stovetop, microwave, or air fryer.
Serving Suggestions
Mozzarella-stuffed meatballs make a great snack or meal all on their own, even without sauce. They are also delicious when paired with Instant-Pot Tomato Sauce or Spicy BBQ Sauce. Enjoy them on top of Delicious Angel Hair Pasta, Mushroom Pasta, or Instant-Pot Spaghetti Squash. And, of course, you can always pile them in a toasted bun for a classic Meatball Sub.
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 4 ounces mozzarella cheese cut into ½-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for cooking
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley finely chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
- Divide the mixture into 16 equal portions. Flatten each portion, place a cube of mozzarella in the center, and wrap the meat around the cheese, forming a ball. Place them on the baking sheet for the time being.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides, then return them to the baking sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until meatballs are cooked through.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with marinara sauce if desired.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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