Mozzarella stuffed meatballs will turn your everyday spaghetti supper into something truly special. There’s something uniquely satisfying about biting into a tender, flavorful meatball and discovering a gooey, melted center of mozzarella cheese. These mozzarella-stuffed meatballs are a crowd-pleaser, perfect for weeknight dinners. Or serve them as a show-stopping appetizer at your next gathering. With a savory blend of garlic, Italian seasoning, and breadcrumbs, these meatballs are bursting with classic Italian-inspired flavors that evoke the comfort of home cooking.
The dish’s star is undoubtedly the ciligine mozzarella, small pearls of creamy cheese that melt beautifully inside each meatball. The contrast between the perfectly seasoned, slightly crispy exterior and the molten, cheesy center creates an irresistible bite. Pair these with a simple marinara sauce for dipping or drizzling, and you’ve got a dish that’s as versatile as it is delicious.
What makes these meatballs special is how easily they adapt to any occasion. Serve them over spaghetti for a hearty dinner, add them to a sub roll for a decadent sandwich, or plate them with toothpicks for a crowd-friendly appetizer at your next party. They’re easy to prepare in advance, making them ideal for entertaining or busy weeknights.
If you want to impress friends and family, this recipe perfectly balances comfort food and elevated cuisine. Whether you’re an experienced home cook or just exploring new recipes, you’ll likely put these mozzarella-stuffed meatballs on repeat.
Recipe Variations
- Meat: Instead of all beef, use part pork or veal or use turkey or chicken. If you use poultry, they must be cooked a few minutes longer, to 165 F.
- Breadcrumbs: Substitute fresh, dried breadcrumbs or panko for the fine, dry breadcrumbs.
- Cheese: You can substitute another cheese for the mozzarella balls. Use fresh mozzarella, fontina, cheddar, or whatever you have on hand. Dice the cheese into cubes about the size of cherries.
How to Store Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs
- Store leftover meatballs in a covered container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days.
- For longer storage, transfer the cooled meatballs to a freezer bag or airtight container and freeze them for up to 4 months for best quality.
- To reheat, place them in a foil-lined baking pan and bake at 350 F for about 8 to 12 minutes or until heated.
Serving Ideas
- As an appetizer, serve the meatballs from a slow cooker or chafing dish with toothpicks, small plates, and napkins for guests. Provide small bowls of marinara sauce, pizza sauce, or cheese sauce for dipping
- Serve the meatballs and sauce with pasta, like this cacio e pepe or roasted garlic spaghetti.
- Serve them with roasted or mashed potatoes and a side vegetable.
- Make meatball subs with stuffed meatballs and sauce.
Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Meatballs, Appetizers
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef (I like 85% to 90% lean)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1/4 cup fine dry breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 16 to 18 mozzarella balls (ciliegine)
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 350 F and line a large rimmed baking sheet with foil. Oil the foil or spray it with cooking spray.
- Combine the ground beef, minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, egg, breadcrumbs, milk, Italian seasoning, salt, garlic powder, and pepper in a large bowl. Mix until the ingredients are well combined. Divide the meat mixture into 16 to 18 pieces, roughly 1.5 to 1.6 ounces each.
- Wrap each portion of meat around a ball of mozzarella cheese and shape it into a meatball. Make sure the cheese is well-wrapped and sealed.
- Arrange the meatballs in the baking pan and bake for 30 minutes, or until thoroughly cooked. If you check with an instant-read thermometer, look for an internal temperature of 160 F.
Credit: Diana Rattray - Serve the meatballs warm as an appetizer with marinara or pizza sauce on the side, or toss them in hot marinara sauce and serve over pasta for a satisfying family dinner.
Credit: Diana Rattray
Equipment
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