These Garlic Meatballs Stuffed with Mozzarella are a perfect blend of savory flavors with the irresistible surprise of gooey mozzarella inside each meatball. Baked to perfection and served with marinara sauce, they make for a hearty and delicious meal that is sure to please any crowd. Whether as an appetizer or a main dish, these meatballs are a guaranteed hit.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Mozzarella cheese cubes
- Marinara sauce
- Fresh basil for garnish
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Make the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, bread crumbs, minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Form the Meatballs: Take a small amount of the mixture and flatten it in your hand. Place a cube of mozzarella in the center of the flattened meatball mixture and roll it up to form a meatball. Repeat this step with the remaining mixture and cheese cubes.
- Bake the Meatballs: Place the stuffed meatballs on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they are fully cooked through and browned on the outside.
- Serve: Serve the meatballs hot, with marinara sauce on the side. Garnish with fresh basil for an added burst of flavor and color.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Servings: 4
Variations
- Spicy Meatballs: Add red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the meatball mixture for a spicy kick.
- Different Cheese: If you prefer a different cheese, you can stuff the meatballs with provolone, cheddar, or even pepper jack for a unique flavor twist.
- Vegetarian Option: Use plant-based ground meat or make the meatballs with mashed chickpeas or lentils as a substitute for beef.
- Gluten-Free: Replace the bread crumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or ground almonds.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat the meatballs in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave them for 1-2 minutes, though the oven method will keep them from becoming soggy.
10 FAQs
- Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef? Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for beef. The flavor will be lighter, but still delicious.
- Can I freeze these meatballs? Yes, you can freeze the uncooked meatballs on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Bake them from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
- Can I add vegetables to the meatball mixture? Yes, finely chopped vegetables like spinach, onions, or bell peppers can be added to the meatball mixture for added flavor and nutrition.
- Can I make these meatballs in advance? Yes, you can prepare the meatballs in advance and refrigerate them until ready to bake. Bake them the day you plan to serve them.
- How do I know when the meatballs are fully cooked? You can check the internal temperature of the meatballs with a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 160°F for ground beef.
- Can I make these meatballs without the mozzarella filling? Yes, you can make plain garlic meatballs without the cheese. They’ll still be delicious!
- How do I make the meatballs extra tender? Be careful not to overwork the meat mixture when mixing. Overworking can make the meatballs tough. Also, using ground beef with a bit of fat content (80/20) will yield a juicier meatball.
- Can I use store-bought marinara sauce? Absolutely! Store-bought marinara sauce works perfectly, but homemade sauce will add an extra touch of flavor.
- What can I serve these meatballs with? These meatballs pair well with spaghetti, a side salad, or even a crusty bread to soak up the marinara sauce.
- How can I make these meatballs more flavorful? You can add herbs such as oregano, thyme, or parsley to the meatball mixture for extra flavor. Adding a dash of Worcestershire sauce also enhances the taste.
Conclusion
These Garlic Meatballs Stuffed with Mozzarella are the ultimate comfort food. They’re packed with flavor, have a delightful cheese surprise inside, and pair perfectly with marinara sauce. Whether served on their own or as part of a larger meal, they’re sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy this easy and delicious recipe for a satisfying meal any day of the week!