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Baked Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs

Baked Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs combine heartwarming flavors of Italian cuisine with gooey mozzarella centers, creating an irresistible dish perfect for family dinners or parties.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 meatballs
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 185
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Meatball Ingredients
  • 1 lb ground beef Juicy and savory, serves as the backbone of our meatballs.
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs Offers a delightful crunch and helps to bind the meat together.
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese Adds a sharp, nutty flavor.
  • 1 large egg Provides moisture and helps to bind all the ingredients.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced Infuses the meatballs with aromatic depth.
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano Offers a warm, earthy flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil Adds freshness and complements the other flavors.
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt Essential seasoning.
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper Essential seasoning.
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese For stuffing, creamy and stretchy when melted.
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil For greasing the baking sheet.
  • 2 cups marinara sauce Pairs perfectly with the meatballs.
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes Optional for those who like some heat.
Garnish
  • to taste fresh basil leaves Provides a pop of color and freshness.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Grease a baking sheet with 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper. Mix until evenly incorporated.
  4. Take a small amount of the mixture, flatten it into a disk, place 1 tablespoon of shredded mozzarella cheese in the center, and mold the meat around the cheese to form a ball.
  5. Repeat the process until all meatballs are formed and placed on the prepared baking sheet.
Cooking
  1. Bake the meatballs for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
  2. While baking, heat the marinara sauce in a saucepan over medium heat, adding optional red pepper flakes and simmering for 5-7 minutes.
Serving
  1. Once the meatballs are baked, transfer them to a serving plate, spoon marinara sauce over, and garnish with fresh basil leaves.

Notes

For perfectly round meatballs, consider using a cookie scoop. Letting the meatballs rest in marinara for an hour enhances flavor. For added kick, mix in red pepper flakes.