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- 1 pound ground beef - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - 8 small mozzarella balls (bocconcini) - Olive oil for frying - 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce Gather these fresh ingredients before you start. The main components create a hearty base. Ground beef adds richness. Breadcrumbs help bind the meatballs. Parmesan cheese gives a salty kick, while parsley adds freshness. Next, flavor enhancers are key. Garlic brings aroma and taste. Italian seasoning adds depth. Don’t forget salt and pepper; they boost all the flavors. Now, for the cheesy surprise! The mozzarella balls are the star here. They melt and ooze, making each bite delightful. Olive oil is essential for frying. It helps achieve that golden brown crust. The marinara sauce is perfect for soaking the meatballs. For the full recipe, check out the complete instructions in the recipe section. Enjoy your cooking! To start, grab a big mixing bowl. In it, combine 1 pound of ground beef, 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs, and 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Add 1/4 cup of fresh parsley, chopped finely, and 2 cloves of minced garlic. Crack in 1 large egg, then sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and add salt and pepper to taste. Use your hands to mix the ingredients. This ensures that every bite is packed with flavor. Now, take about 2 tablespoons of the meat mixture. Flatten it in your palm. Place a mozzarella ball right in the center. Carefully wrap the meat around the cheese, making sure to seal it completely. This step is key to keeping the cheese inside. Repeat this for the rest of the meat mixture and mozzarella balls until you form all the meatballs. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil shimmers, add the meatballs. Do this in batches so they don’t overcrowd the pan. Brown them for about 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. After browning, place the meatballs in a baking dish. Pour 1 jar of marinara sauce over them, coating each one well. Cover the dish with foil and bake it in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes. This allows the meatballs to soak up the sauce's rich flavor. You can find the full recipe for these delicious mozzarella stuffed meatballs above. - Avoid overcrowding the skillet when browning. - Brown meatballs in batches to ensure even cooking. - Ensure complete sealing around the cheese to prevent leaks. - Use your hands to mold the meatballs tightly. - Serve these meatballs on a bed of spaghetti for a classic touch. - Pair with crusty garlic bread for a delightful meal. - For garnishing, add chopped parsley for freshness and color. - A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese enhances visual appeal and flavor. - Adjust seasoning to your taste. Add more salt or pepper if needed. - Experiment with herbs like basil or oregano for an extra kick. - Substitute ground beef with turkey or chicken for a lighter option. - Try using different cheeses for stuffing to change the flavor profile. For the full recipe, refer to the detailed instructions above. {{image_4}} You can switch up the meat for your meatballs. Ground turkey or chicken makes a lighter option. They work well with the same flavors. If you want a vegetarian version, try using plant-based meat. This option gives you the same great taste without meat. You can make your sauce or use store-bought. Homemade marinara adds a fresh touch. Consider trying other sauces too, like pesto or alfredo. Each sauce brings its own flavor and can change the dish's vibe. While mozzarella is classic, you can explore different cheeses. Try cheddar or pepper jack for a spicy kick. You can also use flavored cheeses, like herbed goat cheese. These choices create unique flavor profiles that will surprise your taste buds. For the full recipe, check out the link above. To store leftover mozzarella stuffed meatballs, place them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh. You can keep them in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to enjoy them later, make sure to seal them tightly. You can freeze both cooked and uncooked meatballs. For cooked meatballs, let them cool first. Then, place them on a baking sheet and freeze them for 1 hour. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. For uncooked meatballs, shape them and freeze them on a baking sheet. Then, store them in a freezer bag. When you're ready, you can thaw them in the fridge overnight. To reheat meatballs, use the oven or stovetop. Place them in a baking dish with some marinara sauce and cover with foil. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes. This method keeps them moist and tasty. Avoid using the microwave, as it can dry them out. You can pair mozzarella stuffed meatballs with many sides. Here are some great options: - Spaghetti: A classic choice that soaks up the sauce well. - Garlic bread: Perfect for dipping into the marinara. - Salad: A fresh side adds balance to the meal. - Roasted vegetables: Colorful veggies bring extra nutrition and taste. - Rice: A simple choice that complements the flavors. These sides enhance the meal and make it more filling. Yes, you can prepare mozzarella stuffed meatballs in advance. Here’s how: 1. Mix the ingredients: Follow the recipe steps until you shape the meatballs. 2. Store: Place them on a baking tray in a single layer. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. 3. Freeze: For longer storage, freeze the uncooked meatballs. Place them in a freezer bag after freezing on the tray. 4. Cook later: When ready, cook from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. Making them ahead saves time and gives you tasty meals ready to go. To check if meatballs are done, use the following tips: - Internal temperature: Meatballs should reach 160°F (70°C) for ground beef. - Juices: When you cut one, the juices should run clear, not pink. - Firmness: Fully cooked meatballs feel firm to the touch. These methods help you avoid cutting into meatballs and losing that cheesy center. In this post, we covered delicious mozzarella stuffed meatballs. We discussed key ingredients and how to mix, shape, and cook them. I shared tips for serving, flavoring, and storing these tasty treats. You can even explore variations to make them your own. In conclusion, these meatballs are simple yet satisfying. With easy steps and fun twists, you can impress anyone. Enjoy creating this dish, and let your taste buds celebrate each bite!

Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs

Indulge in delicious cheesy mozzarella stuffed meatballs that are sure to impress! With a blend of ground beef, breadcrumbs, and gooey mozzarella encased in flavorful meat, this recipe is perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Easy to prepare and bursting with flavor, these meatballs paired with marinara sauce are a must-try.
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Ingredients
  

1 pound ground beef

1/2 cup breadcrumbs

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 large egg

8 small mozzarella balls (bocconcini)

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce

Olive oil for frying

Instructions
 

In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, minced garlic, egg, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Use your hands to mix the ingredients thoroughly, ensuring everything is evenly incorporated.

    Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while you prepare the meatballs.

      Take approximately 2 tablespoons of the meat mixture and flatten it in the palm of your hand. Place a mozzarella ball in the center, then carefully wrap the meat around the cheese, sealing it completely to form a smooth ball. Repeat this process with the remaining meat mixture and mozzarella balls to create all meatballs.

        In a large skillet, heat a generous tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the meatballs in batches to avoid overcrowding. Brown them for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they are golden brown all over.

          After browning all the meatballs, arrange them in a baking dish. Pour the marinara sauce over the meatballs, making sure each one is generously coated.

            Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes, then carefully remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the meatballs to absorb the flavorful sauce.

              Once baking is complete, let the meatballs cool for about 5 minutes before serving to allow the cheese to set slightly.

                Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve these delightful meatballs on a bed of al dente spaghetti or alongside slices of crusty garlic bread. For an extra touch, garnish with additional chopped parsley and a light sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, enhancing both flavor and visual appeal. Enjoy your delicious creation!