Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs with Marinara and Spaghetti Recipe

Introduction

These Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs are a delicious twist on a classic favorite, featuring gooey melted cheese at the center of tender, flavorful beef. Perfect served over spaghetti with marinara sauce for a comforting and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• ¼ cup Italian bread crumbs
• ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese (pre-grated from the jar)
• ¼ cup yellow onion (minced, about ¼ small onion)
• 2 teaspoons garlic (minced, about 2 cloves)
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• 8 ounces mozzarella cheese (diced into ½ inch pieces)
• Marinara sauce
• Spaghetti noodles

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, Italian bread crumbs, grated parmesan cheese, minced onion, minced garlic, egg, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
3. Step 3: Take about 1 ½ tablespoons of the meat mixture and form it into a ball in your hand. Press one piece of diced mozzarella cheese into the center, then shape the meat around it to form a 1-inch diameter meatball.
4. Step 4: Place each meatball on the prepared baking sheet. Once all are formed, bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through to brown evenly.
5. Step 5: While the meatballs bake, cook the spaghetti noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
6. Step 6: Remove the meatballs from the oven and transfer them to a large saucepan or pot. Add marinara sauce and cook over medium-high heat until the sauce is warmed through and the meatballs are well coated.
7. Step 7: Serve the meatballs and sauce over the prepared spaghetti noodles.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat mixture.
• Try using fresh mozzarella for a creamier cheese center.
• Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
• Make the meatballs ahead of time and freeze before baking for quick meals later.

Storage

Store leftover meatballs with sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Meatballs can also be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I bake the meatballs without stuffing them with cheese?

Yes, you can skip the mozzarella filling if you prefer traditional meatballs. They will still be flavorful and delicious.

How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out during baking?

Make sure to fully enclose the cheese with the meat mixture and press firmly to seal. Forming compact 1-inch meatballs helps keep the cheese inside while baking.

Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs with Marinara and Spaghetti Recipe

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4.7 from 84 reviews

Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs are a delicious Italian-inspired dish featuring tender ground beef meatballs filled with gooey mozzarella cheese. Baked to perfection and simmered in flavorful marinara sauce, these meatballs are served atop classic spaghetti noodles for a comforting and satisfying meal that’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions.

• Author: Lena
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 24 meatballs, serves 4-6 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

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Meatball Mixture

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• ¼ cup Italian bread crumbs
• ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese (pre-grated from the jar)
• ¼ cup yellow onion, minced (about ¼ small onion)
• 2 teaspoons garlic, minced (about 2 cloves)
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper

Cheese Filling

• 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, diced into ½ inch pieces

Additional Ingredients

• Marinara sauce (quantity as desired, approximately 2 cups)
• Spaghetti noodles (quantity as desired, typically 8 ounces)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the lean ground beef, Italian bread crumbs, grated parmesan cheese, minced yellow onion, minced garlic, egg, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until all ingredients are just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat to keep the meatballs tender.
3. Shape Meatballs: Take about 1½ tablespoons of the meatball mixture in your hand and flatten slightly. Place a ½-inch piece of diced mozzarella cheese in the center, then carefully form the meat mixture around the cheese, rolling it into a 1-inch diameter ball to fully encase the mozzarella inside.
4. Bake Meatballs: Place the formed meatballs on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even cooking and browning.
5. Cook Spaghetti: While the meatballs are baking, cook the spaghetti noodles according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
6. Heat Sauce and Meatballs: Once the meatballs are done baking, transfer them to a large saucepan or pot with your marinara sauce. Cook over medium-high heat until the sauce is thoroughly heated and the meatballs are well coated, approximately 5 minutes.
7. Serve: Remove the pot from heat. Serve the mozzarella stuffed meatballs and sauce over the cooked spaghetti noodles. Enjoy your comforting and cheesy Italian meal!

Notes

• Be careful not to overmix the meatball mixture to keep the texture tender.
• Ensure the mozzarella is fully enclosed to prevent it from leaking out during baking.
• You can substitute fresh herbs for dried oregano and basil for a more vibrant flavor.
• Use a meat thermometer to check that meatballs reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for safety.
• Marinara sauce quantity can be adjusted based on preference; homemade or store-bought works well.
• Leftover meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keywords: mozzarella stuffed meatballs, baked meatballs, italian meatballs, mozzarella cheese, marinara sauce, spaghetti meatballs, comfort food