Meatballs have long been a beloved dish across various cuisines, known for their versatility and rich flavors. Traditionally, they are made from ground meat mixed with seasonings and breadcrumbs, then shaped into balls and cooked. The concept of stuffing meatballs with mozzarella elevates this classic dish by adding a surprise burst of gooey, melted cheese in every bite. This particular recipe is a crowd-pleaser because it combines the comforting familiarity of meatballs with the indulgent twist of a cheesy center, making it perfect for family dinners or gatherings.

The Essential Ingredients

Ground Beef: Choosing the Right Fat Content

For the perfect mozzarella-stuffed meatballs, selecting 85-90% lean ground beef is ideal. This fat content strikes a balance between flavor and juiciness, ensuring the meatballs remain moist without being overly greasy. Leaner beef might result in dry meatballs, while higher fat content could make them too oily.

Breadcrumbs: The Binder

Breadcrumbs play a crucial role in the texture of meatballs. They act as a binder, helping to hold the meat mixture together while also absorbing moisture. This absorption prevents the meatballs from becoming too dense, ensuring they stay light and tender.

Seasonings and Spices

Seasonings are essential for flavor. Salt enhances all other flavors, while pepper adds a subtle kick. Garlic powder contributes a deep, savory note, and dried oregano brings an earthy, aromatic element typical of Italian cuisine. Together, these spices create a well-rounded and flavorful base for the meatballs.

Egg and Water: The Moisture Factors

Eggs serve as an additional binder in the meatball mixture, ensuring the ingredients hold together during cooking. The water helps to keep the meat mixture moist, allowing for a smoother texture and preventing the meatballs from drying out. Adding water, one tablespoon at a time, ensures the mixture doesn’t become too wet.

Mozzarella Cheese: The Star Ingredient

The choice of mozzarella is key to this recipe’s success. Opt for whole milk mozzarella for a richer, creamier melt, or low-moisture mozzarella if you prefer a firmer texture. The cheese’s ability to melt beautifully inside the meatball creates a delightful contrast between the savory meat and the gooey center.

Marinara Sauce: Store-Bought vs. Homemade

Marinara sauce is the perfect complement to mozzarella-stuffed meatballs. Store-bought sauces offer convenience and consistency in flavor, but making homemade marinara allows for customization in seasoning and freshness. Homemade sauce can be tailored to taste, while store-bought is a time-saver.

Fresh Parsley: The Final Touch

Chopped fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous note that brightens up the dish. As a garnish, it not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a subtle layer of flavor that complements the rich meatballs and marinara sauce.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Preparation: Setting the Stage

Start by preheating your broiler, which ensures that the meatballs cook quickly and evenly, locking in the moisture while giving them a nice, browned exterior. Next, line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and coat it with cooking spray. The foil makes for easy cleanup, and the cooking spray prevents the meatballs from sticking, allowing them to brown beautifully on all sides.

Mixing the Meatball Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine 1.5 pounds of ground beef with 1/3 cup of breadcrumbs, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon each of pepper, garlic powder, and dried oregano. Crack an egg into the mixture and add 2 tablespoons of water. Using your hands or a spoon, mix everything thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed. If the mixture feels too dry, add more water, one tablespoon at a time, until it’s smooth and slightly sticky. This step is crucial for ensuring that the meatballs hold together and have the right texture.

Stuffing the Meatballs

Take about 2 tablespoons of the meat mixture and roll it into a ball using your hands. Then, press your thumb into the center of the ball to create a small indentation. Place a cube of mozzarella cheese, about 1/2 inch in size, into the indentation. Carefully mold the meat around the cheese, ensuring it is fully encased and the edges are sealed. This step is important to prevent the cheese from leaking out during cooking. Repeat this process with the remaining meat mixture and cheese cubes, placing the stuffed meatballs onto the prepared baking sheet.

Broiling the Meatballs

Place the sheet pan under the broiler, positioning it about 6 inches from the heat source. Broil the meatballs for approximately 10 minutes, turning them halfway through to ensure even cooking. The high heat of the broiler will give the meatballs a crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy and tender. Be careful not to overcook them, as this could cause the cheese to ooze out. The goal is to achieve a golden-brown crust while keeping the mozzarella melted but contained within the meatball.

Final Touches

Once the meatballs are cooked, remove them from the oven and immediately transfer them to a serving dish. Warm 3 cups of marinara sauce, either homemade or store-bought, and pour it over the meatballs. The warm sauce not only adds flavor but also helps to keep the meatballs moist. To finish, sprinkle the dish with 2 tablespoons of freshly chopped parsley, which adds a fresh, vibrant flavor and a pop of color. Serve the meatballs immediately while the mozzarella is still warm and gooey inside, offering a delightful contrast to the savory meat and tangy sauce.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Meatballs

Preventing Cheese from Leaking

To keep the mozzarella from leaking out during cooking, ensure the meat mixture fully encases the cheese. Press the meatball mixture tightly around the cheese cube, sealing all edges. Another trick is to chill the stuffed meatballs for 15-20 minutes before broiling, which helps the meat firm up and hold its shape better.

Adjusting for Different Tastes

Customize your meatballs by varying the spices or using different cheeses. For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes or use pepper jack cheese instead of mozzarella. You can also incorporate fresh herbs like basil or thyme for added depth of flavor.

Making Ahead and Freezing

These meatballs are perfect for making ahead of time. Prepare the meatballs as instructed, but instead of cooking, place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can be broiled directly from the freezer—just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. This makes it easy to have a delicious, homemade meal ready at any time.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Classic Pairings

Mozzarella-stuffed meatballs pair beautifully with classic Italian sides. Serve them over a bed of spaghetti for a hearty meal, or alongside garlic bread to soak up the marinara sauce. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette also complements the richness of the dish, adding a refreshing balance.

Alternative Serving Ideas

These meatballs are versatile and can be served in various ways. They make excellent appetizers on their own, skewered with toothpicks for easy eating. For a more substantial option, use them in a meatball sub, topped with extra marinara and melted mozzarella. They can also be served atop a Caesar salad, adding a warm, savory element to the crisp greens.

Wine and Beverage Pairings

To elevate the dining experience, pair these meatballs with a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Merlot, which complement the tomato sauce and rich meat flavors. For those who prefer non-alcoholic options, a sparkling.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute mozzarella with other cheeses like cheddar, gouda, or even pepper jack for a spicier twist. Just ensure the cheese you choose melts well.

How do I keep the meatballs from drying out?

To keep the meatballs moist, avoid overcooking them and ensure you include the recommended amount of egg and water in the mixture. Using 85-90% lean beef also helps retain moisture.

Can these be baked instead of broiled?

Yes, you can bake them at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes until fully cooked. This method is less prone to overcooking and leaking cheese.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?

Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with some extra marinara sauce.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs. Ensure the marinara sauce is also gluten-free, or make a homemade version to control the ingredients.

Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs

Author: Christine

Print Recipe

Description

Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs are a delightful twist on the classic meatball, featuring a gooey, cheesy center that surprises and delights with every bite. These meatballs are made from seasoned ground beef, mixed with breadcrumbs, egg, and water, then stuffed with mozzarella cheese and broiled to perfection. Served with marinara sauce and garnished with fresh parsley, they are perfect for any occasion, whether as a main course or a fun appetizer.

Instructions

Preheat the broiler. Line a sheet pan with foil and coat the foil with cooking spray.
Place the beef, breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, garlic powder, oregano, egg and water in a bowl; mix until thoroughly combined. You may need to add more water, 1 tablespoon at a time, to get a smooth mixture.

Take approximately 2 tablespoons of the meat mixture and roll it into a ball. Press a cube of cheese into the ball of meat, making sure that the meat completely surrounds the cheese. Place the meatball on the sheet pan and repeat with remaining meat and cheese.
Spray the tops of the meatballs with cooking spray. Broil for 10 minutes or until meatballs are just done – do not overcook or the cheese filling may start to spill out.
Place the meatballs on a plate and pour the marinara sauce over the top, Sprinkle with parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, ensure that the mozzarella is fully encased within the meatball to prevent leaking during cooking. You can customize this recipe by experimenting with different cheeses and seasonings to suit your taste. Additionally, these meatballs can be made ahead and frozen, making them a convenient option for busy days. If you prefer a healthier option or need a gluten-free alternative, substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs and bake instead of broiling to reduce fat content.