Go Back
When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can rival the heartwarming goodness of meatballs. They evoke feelings of nostalgia, warmth, and happiness, making them a staple in homes around the world. Among the myriad ways to prepare meatballs, cheesy baked mozzarella-stuffed meatballs stand out as a delightful fusion of flavors and textures that are sure to please any palate. With a golden-brown exterior and a gooey, melted mozzarella surprise at the center, these meatballs are not only satisfying but also versatile enough to serve as a family dinner or an impressive appetizer for gatherings.

Baked Mozzarella-Stuffed Meatballs

Discover the ultimate comfort food with cheesy baked mozzarella-stuffed meatballs! These delightful bites feature a golden-brown exterior and a gooey mozzarella center, making them perfect for family dinners or as an impressive appetizer. Made with a blend of ground beef and pork, Italian herbs, and a rich marinara sauce, these meatballs deliver a burst of savory flavor in every bite. Share the joy of homemade cooking and create lasting memories around the table with this heartwarming dish.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 pound ground beef (80/20 for optimal richness)

1 pound ground pork

1 cup Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs

1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 large egg

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend

8 ounces mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes

2 cups marinara sauce (use your favorite homemade or store-bought variety)

Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.

    Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef and ground pork. Add in the Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, minced garlic, egg, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Use your hands to mix everything until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat to keep the meatballs tender.

      Stuff the Meatballs: For each meatball, take a portion of the mixture (approximately 1.5 ounces), flatten it slightly in the palm of your hand. Place a cube of mozzarella cheese in the center, then fold the edges of the meat around the cheese and roll it into a ball shape. Repeat this process until you’ve used up all the meat mixture and cheese cubes.

        Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the stuffed meatballs evenly spaced on your prepared baking sheet, ensuring there’s about an inch of space between each meatball to allow for even cooking.

          Bake the Meatballs: Insert the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C).

            Heat the Sauce: While the meatballs are baking, pour your marinara sauce into a large skillet set over medium heat. Warm the sauce, stirring occasionally, until it’s heated through.

              Combine and Serve: Once the meatballs are done baking, gently transfer them into the skillet with the warm marinara sauce. Let them simmer in the sauce for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the meatballs to soak up some delicious sauce.

                Garnish and Enjoy: Serve the cheesy meatballs hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves for a burst of color and flavor. They pair beautifully with spaghetti, garlic bread, or can be served as an enticing appetizer with toothpicks.

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 40 minutes | 4-6 servings