Baked Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with these irresistibly delicious Baked Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs. Bursting with flavors and oozing with melted cheese, these meatballs are sure to be a hit with family and friends alike. Whether served as a hearty appetizer or a satisfying main course, these mouthwatering meatballs are bound to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Let’s dive into how to make these delectable delights!

Recipe: Baked Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs

Ingredients:

• 1 small onion, grated
• 1/2 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped
• 2/3 cup grated Parmesan Cheese
• 1/3 cup Italian bread crumbs
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons marinara sauce plus 1/3 cup
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 package of ground beef (1.5-2lbs)
• 16 cubed pieces of mozzarella cheese (1/2 inch cubes)

Directions:

1. Preheat and Prepare:
   • Position the oven rack in the lower 1/3 of the oven. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Mix Meatball Ingredients:
   • In a large bowl, combine the grated onion, chopped parsley, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian bread crumbs, large egg, 2 tablespoons of marinara sauce, minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
3. Incorporate Ground Beef:
   • Add the ground beef to the mixture and use your hands to thoroughly combine all ingredients. Shape the meat mixture into 16 evenly sized meatballs.
4. Stuff Meatballs with Mozzarella:
   • Make a hole in the center of each meatball and place a cube of mozzarella cheese inside. Reform the meatball around the cheese, ensuring it is completely concealed within the meat mixture.
5. Prepare Baking Dish:
   • Spoon 1/3 cup of marinara sauce into the bottom of a baking dish. Place the stuffed meatballs into the dish, ensuring they are evenly spaced. Drizzle with a little extra virgin olive oil.
6. Bake:
   • Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for approximately 15 minutes, or until they are cooked through and the cheese is melted and gooey.
7. Serve:
   • Once cooked, remove the meatballs from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy these cheesy delights as a tasty appetizer or alongside your favorite pasta dish.

FAQs:

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
   • Yes, ground turkey can be used as a leaner alternative to ground beef.
2. Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
   • Yes, you can prepare the meatballs in advance and refrigerate them until ready to bake.
3. Can I use different types of cheese for stuffing?
   • Absolutely, feel free to experiment with different types of cheese such as cheddar, provolone, or fontina.
4. How do I know when the meatballs are cooked through?
   • The meatballs are cooked through when they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a meat thermometer to ensure proper doneness.

Tips:

1. Keep meatballs uniform in size: Try to make each meatball the same size to ensure even cooking.
2. Use lean ground beef: Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess grease in the meatballs.
3. Experiment with seasonings: Feel free to customize the seasonings to suit your taste preferences. Add herbs like basil or oregano for extra flavor.
4. Serve with marinara sauce: Serve the baked meatballs with additional marinara sauce for dipping or drizzling over the top for extra flavor.

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