Description
These stuffed meatballs are tender, juicy, and filled with melty mozzarella cheese. Simmered in marinara sauce and packed with Italian flavors, they make the perfect comforting dinner or appetizer. Serve over pasta, in hoagie rolls, or enjoy straight from the pan.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef (80/20)
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1 large egg
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
4 oz mozzarella cheese, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cups marinara sauce
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan, garlic, onion, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
2. Take about 2 tablespoons of the meat mixture and flatten it in your palm. Place a cube of mozzarella in the center and wrap the meat around it, forming a sealed ball.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear meatballs in batches until browned on all sides. Do not cook through completely.
4. Transfer seared meatballs to a deep skillet or pot. Pour in marinara sauce. Cover and simmer on low for 15–20 minutes until cooked through and cheese is melted inside.
5. Garnish with fresh parsley and Parmesan. Serve hot.
Notes
Chill the meatballs before searing to help seal in the cheese.
Use low-moisture mozzarella for best melting with minimal leaking.
For a lighter version, swap beef for ground turkey and add a splash of olive oil for moisture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop + Simmer
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 meatballs
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 610mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: stuffed meatballs, mozzarella meatballs, cheesy meatballs