Baked Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs: A Cheesy, Savory Delight
Nothing beats the comforting flavors of homemade meatballs, especially when they’re stuffed with gooey, melty mozzarella cheese. These Baked Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs are packed with savory Italian flavors, tender and juicy on the inside, and finished with a rich marinara sauce. Whether served over pasta, tucked into a hoagie roll, or enjoyed on their own, these meatballs are sure to become a family favorite!
In this recipe, we’ll guide you through the steps to create restaurant-quality stuffed meatballs right in your own kitchen. With a golden-brown exterior and a cheese-filled center, every bite is an explosion of flavor. Follow along for pro tips, serving suggestions, and foolproof techniques to make these meatballs perfect every time.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Cheesy Surprise – Melted mozzarella oozes out of every bite.
✅ Juicy & Flavorful – A blend of Parmesan, garlic, and herbs creates an incredible depth of flavor.
✅ Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and minimal prep make this an excellent weeknight dinner.
✅ Versatile – Serve them with pasta, in a sub, or as an appetizer for a crowd-pleasing dish.
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Ingredients & Their Roles
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in creating the perfect moist, tender, and flavorful meatball.
For the Meatballs:
1 small onion, grated – Adds moisture and a slight sweetness, making the meatballs extra juicy.
½ cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped – Provides freshness and a classic Italian flavor.
⅔ cup grated Parmesan cheese – Enhances the umami richness and helps bind the mixture.
⅓ cup Italian bread crumbs – Absorbs moisture and keeps the meatballs tender.
1 large egg – Acts as a binder, ensuring the meatballs hold their shape.
2 tablespoons marinara sauce – Adds extra moisture and enhances the tomato-based flavors.
3 garlic cloves, minced – A must-have for authentic Italian meatballs.
A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes – Adds a slight kick of heat for depth.
Salt and pepper to taste – Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
1.5-2 lbs ground beef – Use 80/20 beef for the best balance of flavor and juiciness.
16 cubed pieces of mozzarella cheese (½-inch cubes) – The star ingredient, creating that irresistible cheesy center.
For Baking:
1/3 cup marinara sauce – A base layer to keep the meatballs moist and flavorful.
Extra virgin olive oil – A light drizzle before baking helps achieve a golden crust.
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Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Oven & Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and position the rack in the lower third for even baking.
Spread ⅓ cup of marinara sauce over the bottom of a baking dish. This prevents sticking and keeps the meatballs moist.
2️⃣ Mix the Meatball Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated onion, parsley, Parmesan, bread crumbs, egg, marinara sauce, garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
Mix well to create a well-seasoned base before adding the meat.
3️⃣ Incorporate the Ground Beef
Add the ground beef to the mixture. Using your hands, gently mix until just combined. (Overmixing can make the meatballs dense, so be gentle!)
4️⃣ Shape & Stuff the Meatballs
Roll the mixture into 16 equal-sized meatballs.
Press a small hole in the center of each meatball and insert a mozzarella cube.
Seal the meatball completely, ensuring no cheese is exposed.
5️⃣ Arrange & Bake
Place the stuffed meatballs in the prepared baking dish.
Drizzle lightly with extra virgin olive oil for a crispy, golden exterior.
Bake for 15 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and juicy.
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Pro Tips for Perfect Meatballs
✔ Use freshly grated onion – It releases natural juices, keeping the meatballs moist.
✔ Don’t overmix – Overworking the meat makes the meatballs dense. Mix until just combined.
✔ Seal the cheese well – Make sure the mozzarella is fully enclosed to prevent leaks.
✔ Use a meat thermometer – The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) for perfectly cooked meatballs.
✔ Broil for extra crispiness – For a golden-brown crust, broil for the last 2 minutes of baking.
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Serving Suggestions
These Baked Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs are incredibly versatile! Here are some delicious ways to serve them:
🍝 Classic Spaghetti & Meatballs – Serve over pasta with extra marinara sauce.
🥖 Meatball Subs – Load them into a toasted hoagie roll with melted provolone.
🧀 Cheesy Appetizer – Serve with toothpicks and a side of marinara for dipping.
🥗 Low-Carb Option – Pair with zucchini noodles or a fresh salad.
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Final Thoughts: A Must-Try Cheesy Meatball Recipe!
These Baked Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs are a crowd-pleasing, cheesy delight that’s perfect for any occasion. Simple to make, yet packed with bold Italian flavors, they’re sure to become a go-to family favorite.
Try this recipe tonight, and enjoy a bite of ooey-gooey cheesy goodness in every
forkful!
✨ Love this recipe? Share it with friends and family, and let us know how you served your meatballs! Happy cooking!
