Description
These Cheesy Stuffed Meatballs are a delicious homemade treat featuring ground beef or turkey combined with Italian herbs and cheeses. Each meatball is filled with gooey mozzarella for a delightful surprise inside. Baked to golden perfection and served with marinara sauce, they make a comforting appetizer or main dish perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatball Mixture
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt & pepper to taste
Filling
- 4 oz mozzarella, cut into small cubes
Serving & Garnish
- Marinara sauce, for serving
- Optional: shredded mozzarella for topping
- Optional: fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease a cast iron skillet if you prefer to bake the meatballs in sauce.
- Mix ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined to keep the meatballs tender.
- Form meatballs with cheese: Scoop about a tablespoon of the meat mixture, flatten it slightly in your hand, place a small cube of mozzarella in the center, then carefully seal the meat around the cheese, forming a ball.
- Arrange meatballs: Place the formed meatballs on the prepared baking sheet or in the greased skillet, spacing them evenly.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 18–20 minutes, or until the meatballs are golden brown and cooked through.
- Optional skillet finishing: If using the skillet method, pour marinara sauce around the baked meatballs, sprinkle additional shredded mozzarella on top, and return to the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Garnish with fresh basil if desired before serving.
Notes
- Use ground turkey for a leaner option with slightly milder flavor.
- Be careful not to overmix the meat mixture to keep meatballs tender.
- Ensure mozzarella cubes are well sealed inside to prevent leaking during baking.
- Serve with extra marinara sauce for dipping or spooned over pasta.
- Meatballs can be prepared ahead and frozen before baking for convenient meals later.