Baked Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs
Total Time: 45 minutes
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Introduction
Are you hunting for a delicious meal loaded with cheese and meat? We present to you our Baked Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs. A classic Italian dish with a twist. It is perfect to serve as a main dish or an appetizer.
Why Make This Recipe
Some recipes are a timeless classic and this Baked Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs is one of those. The ultimate comfort food, it combines delicately spiced meatballs with creamy, melt-in-mouth mozzarella, all covered with a tangy marinara sauce. It’s a simple dish to prepare and perfect for impressing your family or guests at a dinner party.
How to make Baked Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs
Ingredients:
For the meatballs:
– 1 lb ground beef.
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs.
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese.
– 1 large egg.
– 2 cloves garlic, minced.
– 1 tsp Italian seasoning.
– 1/2 tsp salt.
– 1/4 tsp black pepper.
– 4 oz mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes.
For the sauce:
– 2 cups marinara sauce.
Directions:
1. Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) for preheating and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.
2. Combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Ensure ingredients are well mixed.
3. Take a tablespoon of the meat mixture and flatten it in your hand. Place a cube of mozzarella in the center, then shape the meat around the cheese to form a ball. Make sure to press it tightly to keep the cheese from oozing out.
4. Arrange the meatballs on the baking sheet previously prepared and place in the oven to bake for 20 minutes.
5. Take the meatballs out of the oven, pour the marinara sauce over them, and return them to the oven to bake for an additional 5-10 minutes. This should be sufficient time for the sauce to become bubbly and for the meatballs to be thoroughly cooked.
6. These meatballs are best served hot. They go very well with spaghetti or on their own as an appetizer.
How to Serve Baked Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs
These meatballs can be a standalone dish, or pair it with some spaghetti for a full-fledged main course. For appetizers, serve it with toothpicks and a side of marinara sauce for dipping.
How to Store Baked Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs
The cooked meatballs can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Tips to make Baked Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs
Ensure the mozzarella is sealed in the meat properly to prevent leaking. If you want more flavor, consider combining ground pork with beef. The meatballs must be cooked through before adding the marinara sauce.
Variation
For a fiery twist add chopped jalapenos in the mixture, or you could replace Italian seasoning with your favorite spices for a personalized flavor.
FAQs
1. What type of meat can I use for this recipe?
We suggest using a lean cut of ground beef for this recipe.
2. Can I use cheese other than mozzarella?
Mozzarella is ideal for this recipe due to its amazing melting properties. You could try cheddar or gouda but it might alter the taste and texture.
3. Can I freeze cooked meatballs?
Yes, the cooked meatballs can be frozen up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.