There’s something magical about biting into a meatball and discovering a gooey, cheesy center. That’s exactly what you get with these Baked Mozzarella-Stuffed Meatballs—tender, juicy meatballs with a melty mozzarella core, all baked to perfection and smothered in marinara sauce. They’re perfect for pasta night, game-day snacks, or stuffing into a sub sandwich for the ultimate comfort meal.
I love this recipe because it’s easy, packed with flavor, and no frying is required—just pop them in the oven, and let the magic happen. Let’s get into why these meatballs are a must-try and how you can make them at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Juicy and flavorful – A mix of ground beef, Italian seasoning, and breadcrumbs keeps them moist and delicious.
- Cheesy surprise inside – Every bite delivers gooey mozzarella goodness.
- Baked instead of fried – Less mess, but just as crispy and flavorful.
- Perfect for pasta, subs, or appetizers – Serve them however you like!
Ingredients You’ll Need
(Serves: 4-6 | Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 25 minutes)
For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 12 small mozzarella balls (or cubed mozzarella)
For Baking:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing the baking dish)
- 1 ½ cups marinara sauce
How to Make Baked Mozzarella-Stuffed Meatballs
1. Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix the Meatball Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and chopped parsley. Use your hands to mix everything until well combined but don’t overwork the meat—this keeps the meatballs tender.
3. Stuff the Meatballs
Take about 2 tablespoons of the meat mixture and flatten it slightly in your palm. Place a small mozzarella ball or cube in the center, then wrap the meat around it, rolling it into a ball. Make sure the cheese is completely sealed inside to prevent it from oozing out while baking.
4. Bake the Meatballs
Place the stuffed meatballs in the greased baking dish, making sure they’re evenly spaced. Bake uncovered for 18-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and browned on the outside.
5. Add the Sauce and Finish Baking
Remove the meatballs from the oven and pour the marinara sauce over them. Return to the oven for another 5 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley. Serve hot over pasta, in a sub sandwich, or as an appetizer with toothpicks and extra sauce for dipping.
My Best Tips for Mozzarella-Stuffed Meatballs
- Use fresh mozzarella – Fresh mozzarella melts beautifully, but if you don’t have it, shredded mozzarella can work in a pinch.
- Don’t overwork the meat – Gently mix the ingredients just until combined to keep the meatballs tender.
- Make sure the cheese is sealed in – If there are gaps, the cheese may leak out during baking.
- Try different meats – A mix of beef and pork adds extra flavor and juiciness.
What to Serve with Mozzarella-Stuffed Meatballs
These meatballs are so versatile! Here are a few delicious serving ideas:
- Classic spaghetti – Toss them in extra marinara and serve over al dente pasta.
- Garlic bread or baguette – Perfect for soaking up the sauce.
- Sub sandwich – Stuff them into a toasted hoagie roll with extra cheese and sauce.
- Zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice – A low-carb option that still tastes amazing.
FAQs
Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the meatballs and refrigerate them uncooked for up to 24 hours before baking.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.
Can I freeze these meatballs?
Absolutely! After baking, let them cool completely, then freeze in a single layer. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag and store for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 375°F until warmed through.
These Baked Mozzarella-Stuffed Meatballs are the perfect mix of cheesy, savory, and satisfying. Whether you’re serving them as a main dish or an appetizer, they’re guaranteed to impress.
Give them a try and let me know how they turn out!
Baked Mozzarella-Stuffed Meatballs: The Ultimate Cheesy Comfort Food
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing the baking dish)
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a baking dish with olive oil.
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
- Take a small amount of the meat mixture and flatten it in your hand. Place a spoonful of shredded mozzarella cheese in the center and fold the meat around it to form a meatball.
- Repeat until all the meat mixture is used.
- Place the meatballs in the greased baking dish and bake for 25 minutes or until cooked through.
- While the meatballs are baking, heat the marinara sauce in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Once the meatballs are done, remove from the oven, pour the marinara sauce over them, and serve topped with additional mozzarella if desired.
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