Ingredients
Scale
The key to this dish lies in selecting the right ingredients, especially when it comes to quality meat and fresh mozzarella. I always choose lean ground beef or a mix of beef and pork for extra flavor, and I never skip the fresh herbs—they brighten the whole dish. When it comes to breadcrumbs, I prefer using homemade or panko for a light texture. And for the mozzarella, fresh is best; its meltability makes all the difference. If you want, you can swap out mozzarella for provolone or even a sharp cheddar for a different flavor profile.
- 1 pound ground beef (or 50/50 ground beef and pork)
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella, cut into small cubes
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko or homemade)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Olive oil, for cooking
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes for a little heat
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined—overmixing can make the meatballs tough.
- Take a small handful of the meat mixture (about 2 tablespoons), flatten it, and place a cube of mozzarella in the center. Carefully wrap the meat around the cheese, forming a tight ball. Repeat with the remaining mixture and mozzarella.
- Place the stuffed meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about an inch apart.
- Drizzle or brush the meatballs lightly with olive oil to promote browning.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and golden brown on the outside. You’ll know they’re done when the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- For an extra touch, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end to get a crispier exterior, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Let the meatballs rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the cheese to settle slightly—this also makes them easier to handle.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
Keywords: Stuffed Meatballs with Mozzarella Cheese, recipe, cooking, food
