Servings
Font
Back
5.0 from 45 votes

Easy Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs

Cheesy mozzarella stuffed meatballs are simmered in a homemade tomato sauce to create a delicious dish worth sharing!

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

Ingredients

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

  • SUBSTITUTIONS
  • Ground beef: You can substitute with ground turkey, if desired.
  • Fresh herbs: You can substitute 2 tablespoons of fresh herbs with 1 tablespoon of dried. 
  • Breadcrumbs: Use gluten free, if needed.
  • Dark red wine: This adds flavor, but you can omit if desired.
  • Cornstarch: Helps to thicken the sauce, but you can omit, if desired. 

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 (6%) 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: 15meatballs

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.