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Easy Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs
5 from 45 votes

Easy Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs

Easy Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs consist of lean ground beef mixed with fresh herbs, onion, Parmesan cheese, and garlic, formed around cubes of mozzarella cheese. Baked until cooked through, they are served with a simmered tomato sauce seasoned with onion, garlic, red wine, and fresh herbs. The cheese center provides a creamy surprise in each bite, balancing the savory meat and tangy sauce.

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
25 mins
Total Time
40 mins
Servings: 15 meatballs
Calories: 151 kcal
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

For the meatballs:
  • 1 1/2 pounds ground beef lean
  • 1 yellow onion finely chopped, small
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/3 cup Parmesan Cheese plus extra for sprinkling, freshly grated
  • 2 egg lightly beaten
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons parsley chopped, fresh
  • 2 tablespoons basil chopped, fresh
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper fresh
  • 8 ounces mozzarella cheese cut into 1/2 inch square pieces, ball
For the sauce:
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 cup yellow onion diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup red wine optional, dark
  • 1 (28 ounce) crushed tomatoes can
  • 2 tablespoons parsley chopped, fresh
  • 2 tablespoons basil chopped, fresh
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. To prepare the meatballs, preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Lightly grease 2 baking sheets with cooking spray or oil.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, onion, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, eggs, garlic, parsley, basil, salt and pepper. Mix with a fork until combined.
  3. Using a spoon or scoop, roll meat into balls, about 2 tablespoons each. Using your thumb, press into the center to create an indent, place a piece of cheese in the center of the dough ball and then re-roll ball to cover the cheese. Don’t be afraid to use a little extra meat mixture if you need to cover the cheese. Repeat with remaining meat and arrange on baking sheet.
  4. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until meatballs are cooked through.
  5. While the meatballs are baking, prepare sauce. Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and garlic. Sauté for 2 minutes.
  6. Whisk in the cornstarch and optional wine, if desired. Let simmer for 2 additional minutes.
  7. Add crushed tomatoes, parsley, basil and salt. Stir to combine. Bring the sauce to a boil. Cover, reduce heat to low and let simmer for 15 minutes.
  8. Once baked meatballs are done, carefully add them to the sauce. On low heat, simmer uncovered for an additional 10 minutes. Serve as an appetizer or with pasta. Enjoy!

Notes

  • Substitute ground beef with ground turkey if desired for a leaner option.
  • Use 1 tablespoon dried herbs in place of 2 tablespoons fresh parsley and basil.
  • Gluten-free breadcrumbs can replace regular breadcrumbs for dietary needs.
  • Omitting red wine is acceptable; it adds flavor but is not essential.
  • Cornstarch thickens the sauce but can be left out if preferred.

Nutrition Information

Serving 1meatball Calories 151kcal (8%) Carbohydrates 4g (1%) Protein 14g (28%) Fat 7g (11%) Saturated Fat 2g (10%) Cholesterol 57mg (19%) Sodium 265mg (11%) Potassium 206mg (4%) Fiber 0g (0%) Sugar 0g (0%) Vitamin A 170IU (3%) Vitamin C 2.6mg (3%) Calcium 99mg (10%) Iron 1.5mg (8%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 15 meatballs

Amount Per Serving

Calories 151

% Daily Value*

Serving 1meatball
Calories 151kcal 8%
Carbohydrates 4g 1%
Protein 14g 28%
Fat 7g 11%
Saturated Fat 2g 10%
Cholesterol 57mg 19%
Sodium 265mg 11%
Potassium 206mg 4%
Fiber 0g 0%
Sugar 0g 0%
Vitamin A 170IU 3%
Vitamin C 2.6mg 3%
Calcium 99mg 10%
Iron 1.5mg 8%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.