Description
Delicious and juicy mozzarella stuffed meatballs baked to perfection. These meatballs combine ground beef with Parmesan, garlic, and fresh parsley, encasing gooey mozzarella in the center. Perfect as a main dish or added to your favorite pasta recipe.
Ingredients
Meatball Mixture
- 1 pound 80% lean ground beef (or half ground pork and half ground beef)
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 3/4 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 Tablespoons chopped fresh Italian flat-leaf parsley
Filling
- 4-6 ounces mozzarella, cut into 24 1/2″ cubes
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Prepare a baking sheet lined with foil and spray it with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, beaten egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, finely chopped onion, Kosher salt, ground black pepper, and chopped parsley. Mix using a wooden spoon or your hands just until combined, avoiding overmixing. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of water if needed to maintain a moist mixture.
- Form Meatballs: Using a medium cookie scoop or spoon, portion the meat mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Place one mozzarella cube in the center of each portion. Carefully wrap the meat around the cheese cube and shape into 1 1/2-inch balls. Arrange the formed meatballs back onto the baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake the meatballs uncovered at 400°F for 17 to 20 minutes, turning halfway through to evenly brown. Ensure they are no longer pink in the center and mozzarella is melted inside.
- Serve: Serve immediately on their own or use in any recipe calling for meatballs, such as classic spaghetti and meatballs.
Notes
- For best results, use a medium cookie scoop to make uniform meatballs for even cooking.
- These meatballs pair perfectly with tomato sauce and spaghetti for a hearty meal.
- Do not overmix the meat mixture to keep the meatballs tender.
- If mixture feels dry, adding a tablespoon or two of water can help maintain moisture.
- Use fresh Italian parsley for the best flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
