Oh boy, do I have a special treat for you today! Let me tell you about my absolute favorite comfort food: Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs. Yes, you heard that right. These meatballs are not just any meatballs; they are little flavor bombs stuffed with gooey mozzarella cheese that oozes out when bitten into. Can you even imagine the joy of sinking your teeth into one of these bad boys?
I still vividly remember the first time I made these for a family dinner. My mom was in town, and I wanted to impress her with a dish that felt both homey and a bit gourmet. Let’s just say, the kitchen smelled so heavenly that by the time we sat down at the table, we could hardly wait to dig in! Now, every time I make Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs, it feels like I’m celebrating that wonderful time together, and I can’t wait for you to experience the same delight.
What’s in Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs?
Let’s break down the star players in this dish!
Ground Beef or Pork: You can use either ground beef, a mix of beef and pork, or even ground turkey for a leaner option. I prefer a blend for more flavor, but really—use what you love!
Garlic Powder: Garlic is the universal flavor enhancer! Just a teaspoon adds that aromatic depth that makes meatballs irresistible.
Onion Powder: A bit of onion powder rounds out the flavors nicely! If you’re an onion lover, feel free to use fresh onions sautéed in the mix instead.
Italian Seasoning: A perfect blend of herbs to give the meatballs an authentic Italian taste. If you have fresh herbs like basil or oregano, use those!
Salt and Black Pepper: Always essential for seasoning the meat. Just a pinch of salt and a dash of pepper can take your dish from bland to grand!
Breadcrumbs: These little bits help to bind everything together, giving the meatballs a great texture. I like to use Italian seasoned breadcrumbs for an extra kick.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: Because what’s better than cheese? Adding Parmesan provides a salty, nutty flavor that complements the meat perfectly.
Large Egg: The egg acts as a binder to keep everything from falling apart—important business here!
Mozzarella Cheese: The star stuffing of our meatballs! I opt for whole mozzarella cheese cut into cubes; it melts beautifully and adds the gooey factor we all crave.
Marinara Sauce: You can use store-bought or homemade. A good marinara will elevate your meatballs to a whole new level.
Fresh Basil Leaves: Not only do they add a pop of color, but fresh basil also brings a refreshing note that’s the perfect finishing touch.
Is Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs Good for You?
Ah, the age-old question of guilt versus pleasure! Here’s the rundown on this tasty dish.
While there’s a healthy dose of protein from the meat and the goodness of cheese, it’s important to keep in mind that mozzarella stuffed meatballs can be a bit rich when served with a heavy marinara sauce. However, they are a comforting meal when enjoyed in moderation!
Ground beef: A great source of protein and iron but go for lean cuts to keep it healthier.
Breadcrumbs: Utilizing whole grain breadcrumbs can provide some extra fiber, which is always a bonus.
Cheese: A fabulous source of calcium but be mindful of the serving size because it’s easy to go overboard with melty mozzarella!
So while these meatballs are certainly decadent, they can absolutely be part of a balanced diet. Pair with a side salad to boost the veggies for a well-rounded meal!
Ingredients
– 1 pound ground beef or a mix of beef and pork
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 large egg
– 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes
– 2 cups marinara sauce (jarred or homemade)
– Fresh basil leaves for garnish
This tasty recipe serves about 4 people.
How to Make Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs?
Now, let’s get to the fun part—making these heavenly meatballs!
1. Preheat your oven to a cozy 400°F (200°C). This means when your meatballs go in, they’ll get that perfect brown crust while cooking through.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef (and pork, if you’re using it), garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and the egg. Now, get in there with your hands and mix until everything is well blended—don’t be shy!
3. Take a portion of the meat mixture (about 2 tablespoons) and flatten it in your palm. This is the fun part: place a cube of mozzarella cheese in the center and fold the meat around it to form a perfect little ball. Make sure that cheese is surrounded by meat—no peeking!
4. Next, heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Once hot, brown the meatballs on all sides for about 5-6 minutes. This step adds a beautiful golden color.
5. Once browned, pour the marinara sauce over the meatballs in the skillet. Give it a moment to simmer; those flavors will meld together beautifully!
6. Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes until the meatballs are cooked through and the cheese has melted into gooey goodness.
7. Once they’re ready, remove from the oven and let them cool slightly (trust me, no one likes burning their tongue!). Garnish with fresh basil leaves and get ready for sheer delight!
Delicious Tips and Variations!
– For an extra kick, mix some crushed red pepper flakes into the meat mixture! It adds a delightful warmth.
– If you’ve got a pasta lover at home, serve these meatballs over spaghetti for a classic and comforting dish.
– Got leftovers? These meatballs reheat fabulously, making for scrumptious meatball subs!
– Switch up the marinara sauce with pesto or Alfredo for a fun twist on flavors!
I truly hope you find as much joy in making and eating these Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs as I do. They’re simple, heartwarming, and absolutely delicious! After you whip up a batch, make sure to let me know how they turned out. Enjoy!
