Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs Recipe

These Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs are the ultimate comfort food indulgence—tender, juicy meatballs with a gooey mozzarella core, all simmered in a vibrant homemade marinara sauce. Each bite is a burst of rich flavor and cheesy goodness, making them absolutely irresistible for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about the essential building blocks of these Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs! Every ingredient pulls its own weight—creating a balance of juicy, savory, cheesy, and herby flavors that make these meatballs so memorable. Here’s what you’ll need and why each piece matters:

• Lean Ground Pork (1 lb): Adds rich flavor and juiciness to the meatballs for that perfect, tender bite.
• Lean Ground Beef (0.5 lb): Brings classic beefy depth while keeping the texture just right—neither too dense nor too loose.
• Italian Seasoning (1 tbsp): Infuses the meatballs with a fragrant mix of dried herbs for authentic Italian flair.
• Egg (1): Acts as the binder, helping everything hold together without drying out.
• Fresh Parsley, finely chopped (1 tbsp): Adds vibrant color and a burst of freshness in every bite.
• Salt (1 tsp): Essential for seasoning—don’t skimp!
• Ground Black Pepper (0.5 tsp): Gives the meatballs gentle warmth and depth.
• Mozzarella Cheese, cut into small cubes (12 oz): The absolute star—choose a good-quality mozzarella for the ultimate melty surprise inside each meatball.
• Olive Oil (1 tbsp): Used to sauté the onions for the marinara, adding a lovely base flavor to the sauce.
• Onion, finely chopped (1/2 small): Sautéed until sweet and golden, the onion becomes the aromatic backbone of the sauce.
• Crushed Tomatoes, canned (14 oz): Brings sweet, tangy tomato richness as the base of your homemade marinara.
• Bay Leaf (1): Gives the sauce an earthy background note—remove before serving.
• Garlic, chopped (1 clove): Infuses the sauce with unmistakable Italian aroma and zing.
• Fresh Parsley or Basil, finely chopped (1 tbsp): For a herbal finish—choose whichever you love most.
• Black Pepper (1 tsp): A little extra for the sauce, so every element is well seasoned.

Variations

One of the best things about Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs is that they’re a blank canvas for your cravings! You can personalize this recipe based on what you have on hand, substitute for dietary needs, or add a flavorful twist for your family’s favorite tastes.

• Turkey or Chicken Meatballs: Swap out the pork and beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter, lower-fat version—still incredibly juicy and delicious!
• Gluten-Free Option: If you need to be gluten-free, these meatballs are naturally flourless—no worries!
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the meat mixture for a subtle, addictive heat.
• Different Cheese Centers: While mozzarella is classic, you can get adventurous with provolone, smoked gouda, or even a cube of pepper jack for fun flavor swaps.
• Herb Enhancements: Try mixing in fresh basil, oregano, or even rosemary for extra herbal complexity.

How to Make Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs

Step 1: Make the Marinara Sauce

Start by heating olive oil in a pan over medium heat, and toss in the finely chopped onion. Sauté gently for about five minutes until the onion turns soft, translucent, and mouthwateringly fragrant—this forms a flavorful foundation for your marinara sauce. Add the chopped garlic, crushed tomatoes, bay leaf, black pepper, and freshly chopped parsley or basil right into the pan, stirring everything together. Lower the heat and let it gently simmer for 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, while you prep the meatballs. Your kitchen will smell like an Italian trattoria in no time!

Step 2: Prepare the Meatball Mixture

Preheat your oven to 400°F, and line a half sheet pan with parchment paper—this keeps the meatballs from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground pork and beef, Italian seasoning, one egg, fresh parsley, salt, and pepper. Use your hands (it’s the best tool for the job!) to mix gently until things are just combined. Overmixing can make meatballs tough, so stop as soon as the mixture is uniform.

Step 3: Stuff with Mozzarella

Take a golf-ball sized portion of the meat mixture and flatten it slightly in your hand. Press a cube of mozzarella cheese into the center, then carefully fold and roll the meat around the cheese, making sure there are no gaps. This step is part art, part construction—your goal is to fully enclose the mozzarella so you get that glorious cheese pull when you cut a meatball open. Repeat until you have about 12 medium-sized meatballs, each hiding a cheesy treasure.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Place the assembled meatballs on your prepared sheet pan and pop them into the preheated oven. Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and lightly golden on the outside. Don’t panic if a little cheese escapes—if you’ve sealed them well, they’ll stay beautifully stuffed. While they bake, your sauce will finish bubbling away, marrying all those wonderful flavors together.

Step 5: Serve and Savor

Once the meatballs are out of the oven, nestle them into your homemade marinara sauce and sprinkle everything with fresh parsley or basil. Spoon some sauce over the top, grab your fork, and get ready for gooey, meaty bliss. These Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs never fail to make dinnertime feel extra special!

How to Serve Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs

Garnishes

For a splash of color and fresh flavor, shower your Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs with more chopped parsley or basil before serving. A dusting of grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano is sheer magic—those little flakes melt and cling to the sauce, adding extra savoriness to every forkful.

Side Dishes

You can never go wrong with a tangle of spaghetti underneath, letting the tomato sauce pool around the meatballs. For a lighter meal, serve them over zucchini noodles or alongside a simple green salad with crisp garlic bread to mop up every last drop of sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs into a crowd-pleasing appetizer by skewering them on toothpicks and serving with extra warmed marinara as a dipper. Or, nestle them into toasted hoagie rolls for incredible meatball subs—pile high with sauce, cheese, and a sprinkle of basil for a show-stopping sandwich.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Have leftovers? They’ll keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When stored with some of the marinara sauce, the meatballs stay moist and flavorful—perfect for easy lunches and late-night snacks.

Freezing

If you want to get ahead, Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs are freezer-friendly! Let them cool completely, then arrange in a single layer in a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll last up to 2 months frozen—either fully cooked or raw for future dinners in a flash.

Reheating

The best way to reheat is gently on the stovetop in a skillet with some marinara, covered until everything is piping hot and the cheese inside has melted again. You can also microwave on medium power in short bursts—just be careful not to overdo it, so the cheese stays stretchy!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready for cheesy, saucy comfort in every bite, give these Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs a try! They come together easily, but taste like a labor of love—perfect for bringing people together around the table. I can’t wait to hear if you love them as much as my family does!

Print