Stuffed Meatballs with Mozzarella Cheese You Need Now

Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my stuffed meatballs with mozzarella cheese – they’re the stuff of dreams! I first made these little flavor bombs for a family potluck years ago, and now they’re requested at every gathering. There’s something magical about cutting into a golden-brown meatball and watching that gooey mozzarella center ooze out. Trust me, once you try these, regular meatballs just won’t cut it anymore.

What makes them special? It’s that perfect combo of savory meat hugging a molten cheese surprise. My secret? Using fresh mozzarella – it melts like a dream and makes all the difference. Whether you serve them over spaghetti, tuck them into a crusty roll, or pop them as appetizers with marinara for dipping, these stuffed meatballs disappear faster than you can say “seconds please!”

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love These Stuffed Meatballs with Mozzarella Cheese

Listen, these aren’t your average meatballs – they’re little pockets of joy that’ll make you wonder why you ever settled for plain ones before. Here’s why they’re downright irresistible:

• That gooey cheese surprise – cutting into one releases a molten mozzarella river that’s pure magic
• Easier than you’d think – just mix, stuff, and bake (I promise even beginner cooks can nail these)
• Total crowd-pleasers – kids go crazy for them, and adults pretend to be civilized while grabbing thirds
• Endless serving options – fancy pasta night? Check. Quick sandwiches? Perfect. Game day snacks? Absolutely!

Honestly, the hardest part is waiting for them to cool enough to eat without burning your tongue!

Ingredients for Stuffed Meatballs with Mozzarella Cheese

Alright, let’s gather our goodies! Here’s exactly what you’ll need to make these glorious stuffed meatballs. I’ve learned the hard way that using the right ingredients makes all the difference:

• 500g ground beef (85% lean) – the fat keeps them juicy, trust me!
• 100g plain breadcrumbs – unseasoned, so we control the flavors
• 1 large egg – helps bind everything together
• 1 tsp fine sea salt – dissolves evenly into the mixture
• 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper – for that little kick
• 1 tsp garlic powder – my secret flavor booster
• 1 tsp dried oregano – gives that authentic Italian vibe
• 100g fresh mozzarella – cubed (don’t use pre-shredded – it won’t melt properly!)
• 2 tbsp good olive oil – for browning those beauties

Pro tip: Get the mozzarella that comes in water – it’s creamier when melted. And yes, I learned this after a slightly disappointing “stringy cheese” incident I’d rather forget!

Print

Equipment You’ll Need

Don’t worry – you probably have most of this stuff already! Here’s what you’ll want to grab:

• A good-sized mixing bowl – big enough to really get your hands in there
• Baking tray – lined with parchment if you’re smart (cleaning is the worst part!)
• Heavy skillet – for that perfect golden-brown crust
• Measuring spoons – eyeballing spices never ends well
• Your clean hands – the best tools for shaping those perfect meatballs!

That’s seriously it – no fancy gadgets needed. Though I won’t judge if you sneak in an extra glass for wine while cooking…

For another fun twist on a classic, try these light and flavorful Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce. They’re packed with Mediterranean flavor and make a great alternative when you want something different from gooey mozzarella.

How to Make Stuffed Meatballs with Mozzarella Cheese

Okay, let’s get to the fun part – making these cheesy wonders! I’ll walk you through each step so you end up with perfect, gooey-centered meatballs every time. Just follow along and don’t stress – even if a little cheese leaks, they’ll still taste amazing!

Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture

First, preheat your oven to 190°C (that’s about 375°F for my American friends). Now, in your big mixing bowl, add the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and oregano. Here’s the key – use your hands to gently mix everything together until just combined. Don’t go crazy mixing it! Overworking the meat makes tough meatballs – we want tender, juicy ones. The mixture should hold together when you squeeze it, but still be slightly loose. If it feels too wet, add a sprinkle more breadcrumbs.

Step 2: Stuff with Mozzarella

Time for the magic! Grab about a golf-ball sized portion of meat (about 40g if you’re measuring) and flatten it in your palm. Place one mozzarella cube right in the center – about 1cm pieces work best. Now carefully wrap the meat around the cheese, sealing it completely. Roll it gently between your palms to form a nice round ball. The trick? Make sure there are no cracks or thin spots where cheese could escape! I like to wet my hands slightly to prevent sticking. Repeat until all your meat and cheese is used up – you should get about 12 meatballs.

Step 3: Brown and Bake

Heat your olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. When it shimmers, add the meatballs in batches – don’t crowd the pan! Brown them for about 2-3 minutes per side until they develop a nice crust. This isn’t just for looks – browning adds SO much flavor! Then transfer them to your baking tray. Pop them in the oven for 15-20 minutes until cooked through. The smell will drive you crazy! Pro tip: if you’re nervous about doneness, cut open one test meatball to check that the meat is no longer pink inside.

Tips for Perfect Stuffed Meatballs with Mozzarella Cheese

Want your stuffed meatballs to turn out flawless every time? Here are my tried-and-true tips that I’ve learned through (mostly delicious) trial and error:

• Chill the meat mixture – 15 minutes in the fridge makes it firmer and easier to shape around the cheese.
• Wet hands are your friend – slightly damp hands prevent the mixture from sticking while shaping.
• Test one meatball first – cook a single meatball to check seasoning and doneness before committing to the whole batch.
• Seal the cheese completely – no cracks or thin spots, or you’ll risk a cheese explosion!
• Don’t overbake – keep an eye on the oven to avoid drying them out.

Follow these, and you’ll be a stuffed meatball pro in no time!

Serving Suggestions for Stuffed Meatballs with Mozzarella Cheese

Oh, the possibilities! These stuffed meatballs are like culinary chameleons – they fit right in wherever you need them. Here are my favorite ways to serve them up:

• Classic spaghetti night – plop them on top of marinara-covered pasta for that perfect cheese pull moment
• Meatball subs – tuck them into toasted rolls with extra sauce and melted provolone
• Cocktail party stars – spear them with toothpicks and serve with warm marinara for dipping
• Quick weeknight dinner – pair with roasted veggies and crusty bread for a no-fuss meal

The best part? However you serve them, that melted mozzarella center always steals the show!

Storing and Reheating Stuffed Meatballs with Mozzarella Cheese

Here’s the good news – these stuffed meatballs actually taste even better the next day! Just pop any leftovers (if you’re lucky enough to have any) in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Need to save them longer? Freeze them on a baking sheet first, then transfer to freezer bags for up to 2 months. When reheating, skip the microwave – it makes them soggy. Instead, warm them in a 180°C oven for about 10 minutes to bring back that gorgeous crispy exterior and gooey center. Pro tip: Add a spoonful of sauce while reheating to keep them extra juicy!

Nutrition Information

Now, I’m no nutritionist, but here’s the scoop on what you’re getting in those delicious stuffed meatballs (because we all like to know these things between bites!). Each serving (about 2 meatballs) gives you roughly:

• 280 calories – worth every single one!
• 20g protein – for keeping you full and happy
• 18g fat – that’s where all the flavor lives
• 10g carbs – just enough to balance things out

Remember, these are estimates – your exact numbers might dance around a bit based on your ingredients. But let’s be real – when that cheese oozes out, calories don’t count, right?

Want even more inspiration? Browse our curated boards on Pinterest, where you’ll find endless meatball ideas, quick appetizers, and crowd-pleasing dinners to pin for later.

FAQs About Stuffed Meatballs with Mozzarella Cheese

I get asked these questions ALL the time when I make these stuffed meatballs for friends – so let me save you some trouble with my hard-earned answers!