Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground beef (or turkey for a lighter option)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 ounces mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
These ingredients are pantry staples in my home, and I bet you have most of them on hand too. If you’re missing anything, feel free to substitute Italian seasoning with a mix of dried oregano and basil, or use panko breadcrumbs for a bit of extra crunch.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined.
- Take approximately 2 tablespoons of the meat mixture and flatten it slightly in your palm. Place a cube of mozzarella in the center and fold the meat around it, sealing it completely. Repeat with remaining meat and cheese.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs, cooking for about 2 minutes on each side until browned. You might need to do this in batches.
- Transfer the browned meatballs to the prepared baking sheet. Pour marinara sauce over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, until the meatballs are cooked through and the cheese is melted.
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving, if desired.
A little tip from my kitchen: make sure your mozzarella cubes are well-sealed within the meatball to prevent any cheese leakage during cooking. This ensures that every bite is as delightful as the first!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
Keywords: Meatballs Stuffed with Mozzarella, recipe, cooking, food
