Description
These Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs are a savory delight, featuring a flavorful blend of ground beef and pork, seasoned to perfection and filled with gooey mozzarella for a deliciously cheesy surprise at the center. Simmered in marinara sauce, these meatballs are a comforting and satisfying dish that’s perfect for a cozy dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20)
- ½ pound ground pork
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 12–16 small mozzarella cubes or cheese curds
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional)
For Serving:
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatballs: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, egg, and milk. Mix until just combined—do not overmix.
- Shape the Meatballs: Divide the mixture into 12 to 16 equal portions. Flatten each portion in your hand, place a mozzarella cube in the center, and shape the meat around the cheese to form a sealed meatball.
- Cook the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and brown on all sides, about 6–8 minutes total.
- Simmer in Sauce: Reduce the heat to low, pour in the marinara sauce, cover, and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the meatballs are fully cooked through.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley if desired and serve hot.
Notes
- These meatballs are delicious served over spaghetti, in sub rolls for sandwiches, or as an appetizer with toothpicks.
- For a spicy twist, add crushed red pepper flakes to the meat mixture or use spicy marinara.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3–4 meatballs
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 33 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
