Name: Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (or turkey); 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 egg; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional); 4 oz mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes; 2 tbsp olive oil (for frying); 2 cups marinara sauce; Special Equipment:; Large mixing bowl; Skillet or baking sheet; Tongs

Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs

There’s nothing quite like a hearty, homemade meal that brings the whole family together, and these Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs have quickly become a staple in my household. I remember the first time I made them—I wanted something extra special for our family dinner, something that felt like a treat but was still easy enough to whip up on a busy weeknight.

As soon as I cut into the first meatball, revealing that gooey, melted mozzarella center, I knew I had a winner. The kids’ eyes lit up, my husband immediately asked for seconds, and I found myself adding this recipe to our regular meal rotation. There’s something about the combination of juicy, flavorful beef, fresh herbs, and that irresistible cheese pull that makes this dish feel like a little piece of comfort food heaven.

The best part? These meatballs are incredibly versatile. Serve them over spaghetti, pile them onto a sub roll, or enjoy them on their own with a side of crusty bread to soak up all that delicious marinara sauce. Plus, they freeze beautifully, making them perfect for meal prep. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or hosting a casual dinner with friends, this is one of those recipes that always impresses while still being easy to pull off. Let’s dive into how you can make them yourself!

Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey is a great leaner alternative, though the texture may be slightly different. If using turkey, add a bit of olive oil or an extra egg to keep the meatballs moist.

What type of mozzarella should I use?
Low-moisture mozzarella works best because it doesn’t release too much water while cooking. However, fresh mozzarella pearls can also work for an extra creamy center.

Can I bake these instead of pan-frying?
Absolutely! Bake them at 400°F for about 18-20 minutes or until cooked through.

How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out?
Make sure the meat is tightly sealed around the mozzarella and avoid overhandling the meatballs, which can create cracks.

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble them and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking, or freeze them for longer storage.

What You Need to Make Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs

Ingredients:

1 lb ground beef (or turkey)

1/2 cup breadcrumbs

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 egg

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

1 tsp Italian seasoning

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

4 oz mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes

2 tbsp olive oil (for frying)

2 cups marinara sauce

Special Equipment:

Large mixing bowl

Skillet or baking sheet

Tongs

How to Make Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs

Prepare the Meat Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix until just combined.

Shape the Meatballs: Take a small amount of the mixture and flatten it slightly. Place a cube of mozzarella in the center and carefully wrap the meat around it, rolling it into a ball. Repeat until all meatballs are formed.

Cook the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and sear them on all sides until browned. Alternatively, bake them at 400°F for 18-20 minutes.

Simmer in Marinara: Pour marinara sauce into the skillet with the meatballs. Reduce the heat and let them simmer for about 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.

Serve & Enjoy: Garnish with extra Parmesan and parsley, then serve hot over pasta, in a sandwich, or with bread.

Tips for Making the Best Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs

Don’t overmix the meat! Overworking the mixture can lead to tough meatballs.

Use an ice cream scoop to get evenly sized meatballs for even cooking.

Chill the mozzarella cubes before stuffing to help them stay firm while cooking.

Double the batch! These freeze wonderfully—just bake straight from frozen when ready to eat.

Reader Reviews

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “These were amazing! My whole family devoured them, and my picky eater even asked for seconds. Will be making again!” – Amanda L.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Great for busy nights! I prepped these in the morning and just had to cook them after work. So easy and delicious!” – Mark T.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️”The cheese pull was incredible. I used fresh mozzarella pearls, and they turned out so creamy inside. Highly recommend!” – Jessica R.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Good flavor, but next time I’ll add a bit more garlic and spice for extra kick.” – Bryan M.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Super easy to make! I baked them instead of frying, and they still turned out great. Will definitely make again.” – Sarah D.

Printable Recipe

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