Baked Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs

These Baked Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs are the perfect combination of savory beef, melted mozzarella, and flavorful seasonings.

The meatballs are made with a mix of fresh ingredients like garlic, parsley, Parmesan cheese, and marinara sauce, all wrapped around a delicious cube of mozzarella that melts perfectly in the center.

Baked to golden perfection, these meatballs are both comforting and indulgent, making them a great option for a family dinner, appetizer, or even a party dish.

Whether served over pasta, with a side of marinara, or on a sub roll, they are sure to be a hit at any gathering!

Ingredients:

1 small onion, grated


1/2 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped


2/3 cup grated Parmesan Cheese


1/3 cup Italian bread crumbs


1 large egg


2 tablespoons marinara sauce plus 1/3 cup


3 garlic cloves, minced


1 pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
Salt and pepper to taste


1 package of ground beef (1.5-2lbs)


16 cubed pieces of mozzarella cheese (1/2 inch cubes)

PREPARATION:

Position the oven rack in the lower 1/3 of the oven. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

In a large bowl, combine the onion, parsley, parm cheese, bread crumbs, egg, marinara, garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.

Once mixed, add in the beef, mixing with your hands. Shape the meat mixture into 16 meatballs.


Make a hole in the center of each meatball and place a cube of mozzarella inside.

Reform the meatball so the cheese is completely concealed. Spoon 1/3 cup marinara into the bottom of a baking dish.

Place the meatballs inside and drizzle with a little extra virgin olive oil.

Bake for 15 minutes until cooked through.

For a twist on your Baked Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs, consider a few fun variations and helpful tips.

You can experiment with different cheeses like provolone, cheddar, or even pepper jack for a unique flavor.

To enhance the taste, try adding extra herbs such as oregano, basil, or thyme, or mix in ground turkey or pork for a lighter or richer option.

For those who enjoy a bit of heat, adding chili powder, cayenne pepper, or jalapeños to the mix will spice things up.

If you’re looking for a veggie alternative, stuff the meatballs with sautéed spinach or roasted peppers instead of cheese.

A few tips to ensure your meatballs turn out perfectly include not overmixing the meat, chilling them before baking to help them hold their shape, and adding moisture if the mixture feels too dry.

For a crispier texture, pan-fry the meatballs before baking, or freeze uncooked meatballs for future meals.

These variations and tips will help you customize the recipe to your liking, ensuring a delicious and memorable dish every time!

To store your Baked Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs, you have a few options depending on when you plan to enjoy them.

For short-term storage, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

If the meatballs are coated in marinara sauce, it’s best to store the sauce separately to prevent the meatballs from becoming soggy.

For longer-term storage, freeze the meatballs.

Place them on a baking sheet in a single layer to freeze them individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag once solid.

This will help prevent them from sticking together.

Frozen meatballs can last up to 3 months, and when you’re ready to eat, you can bake them directly from frozen, just adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

With these storage methods, you can enjoy your tasty meatballs even after a few days or weeks!

Here’s an estimated nutritional breakdown for the Baked Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs (based on the ingredients you provided, with each serving containing one meatball):

Per Serving (1 Meatball):

Calories: 130-150 kcal

Protein: 12-14 grams

Fat: 9-11 grams

Saturated Fat: 4-5 grams

Carbohydrates: 4-6 grams

Fiber: 1 gram

Sugars: 1-2 grams

Cholesterol: 35-40 mg

Sodium: 200-300 mg

Calcium: 70-90 mg

Iron: 1-2 mg

Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific brands of ingredients used, the size of the meatballs, and whether you use extra cheese or additional seasonings.

To adjust for dietary needs, you can modify the recipe by using leaner meat or lower-fat cheese.

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