Cheesy Delight Stuffed Mozzarella Meatballs
A comforting and hearty recipe that combines ground beef and turkey with melty mozzarella filling, perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
For the meatball mixture
- 1 lb ground beef Rich and savory, providing a wholesome base.
- 1 lb ground turkey Lean and juicy, perfect for balancing the richness.
- 1 cup breadcrumbs Adds a delightful texture.
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese Intense and creamy, enhancing the flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced Aromatic and sharp, bringing in luscious flavor.
- 0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped Bright and herbal, offering freshness.
- 1 large egg Binds the ingredients while adding moisture.
- Salt and pepper to taste Essential for seasoning, elevating the overall taste.
- 8 oz mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes Gooey and melty, the star of the dish.
For baking
- 1 jar marinara sauce (about 24 oz) Rich and tangy, perfect for drizzling.
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish Fragrant and vibrant, adding a touch of elegance.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for perfect meatball baking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and egg. Add salt and pepper to taste. Combine thoroughly to ensure an even mix.
- Take a small handful of the meat mixture, flatten it in your hand, and place a cube of mozzarella in the center. Carefully wrap the meat around the cheese and roll it into a ball. Repeat this process until all the mixture has been formed into about 12-15 meatballs.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the meatballs and brown them for about 5 minutes, turning to ensure they color evenly.
- Transfer the browned meatballs into a baking dish. Pour the marinara sauce generously over the meatballs, making sure to coat them well.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the cheese inside is wonderfully melty.
- Allow the cooked meatballs to cool slightly, then garnish with freshly chopped basil before serving.
Notes
For an added flavor boost, consider mixing in some Italian seasoning into the meat mixture or using your favorite flavored breadcrumbs. Make sure to not overcrowd the skillet when browning the meatballs for a nice sear. Leftover meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven or microwave until heated through. For variations, feel free to experiment by using ground chicken or adding spices like crushed red pepper for a kick.