Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs with Marinara and Spaghetti Recipe
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.
- 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
Scale
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Cook Spaghetti: While the meatballs are baking, cook the spaghetti noodles according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- 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.
- 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
