Name: Stuffed Meatballs with Mozzarella Cheese
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; ½ cup breadcrumbs; ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 large egg; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 12-14 small mozzarella cubes or pearls; Olive oil for frying; Optional marinara sauce for serving

Stuffed Meatballs with Mozzarella Cheese take classic comfort food to the next level. Juicy, well-seasoned ground beef encases pockets of gooey melted mozzarella, creating the ultimate bite-sized indulgence. These meatballs are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and make an irresistible main or appetizer.

Perfect for Sunday dinners, game day gatherings, or weeknight meals, this recipe is both versatile and satisfying. Serve them over spaghetti, tuck them into subs, or enjoy them with dipping sauces. However you serve them, these mozzarella-stuffed meatballs will be a hit.

What Kind of Mozzarella Cheese Works Best for Stuffed Meatballs?

Low-moisture mozzarella is the best choice because it melts beautifully without leaking too much moisture into the meatball. You can use mozzarella pearls, small cubes, or even string cheese cut into pieces. For a gooey center, make sure each piece is fully enclosed in meat.

Ingredients for the Stuffed Meatballs with Mozzarella Cheese

1 pound ground beef (85/15 preferred)
½ cup breadcrumbs
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
12-14 small mozzarella cubes or pearls
Olive oil for frying
Optional: marinara sauce for serving

Stuffed Meatballs with Mozzarella Cheese 2

How To Make the Stuffed Meatballs with Mozzarella Cheese

Step 1: Mix the Meatball Base

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix just until combined—avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.

Step 2: Form and Fill the Meatballs

Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the meat mixture and flatten it slightly in your palm. Place a mozzarella cube in the center and wrap the meat around it, sealing well. Roll gently into a ball. Repeat with remaining meat and cheese.

Step 3: Sear the Meatballs

In a skillet over medium heat, add a drizzle of olive oil. Sear the meatballs in batches until browned on all sides, about 6-8 minutes. You don’t need to cook them through yet.

Step 4: Finish Cooking

Transfer the browned meatballs to a baking dish and bake in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 10-12 minutes, or until fully cooked through. Alternatively, you can simmer them in marinara sauce for 10-15 minutes.

How to Serve and Store Stuffed Meatballs with Mozzarella Cheese

These meatballs shine in various settings. Serve them over pasta for a hearty dinner or pile them onto toasted sub rolls with marinara for an incredible sandwich. They also work well as a party appetizer with toothpicks and dipping sauce.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through. They also freeze beautifully—place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey works well. You might need to add an extra tablespoon of olive oil to the mixture to maintain moisture.

How do I keep the cheese from leaking out?

Ensure the cheese is fully wrapped with no cracks in the meatball. Chilling the formed meatballs for 15 minutes before cooking helps too.

Can I make these in advance?

Absolutely. You can prep them a day ahead and refrigerate until ready to cook, or freeze them raw and bake straight from frozen (add 5 extra minutes to the bake time).

Do I need to bake them or can I cook entirely on the stovetop?

You can cook them fully on the stovetop over medium-low heat with a lid on the pan. Turn frequently to cook evenly.

What’s the best dipping sauce?

Marinara is the classic choice, but garlic aioli, pesto, or even ranch are fun twists.

Want More Meatball Ideas?

If these gooey stuffed meatballs made your day, you might enjoy these savory bites too:

Cheesy Pizza Bombs if you want molten cheese with a crusty exterior.
Buffalo Chicken Calzone for a spicy twist on meat-filled dough.
Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta if you’re craving another cheesy and beefy comfort dish.
One Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles for a quick, hearty alternative.
Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts for rich flavors with less prep.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you never lose track of it.

Tried these stuffed meatballs? Let me know how they turned out! Did you use spicy cheese? Add herbs to the center? Share your version in the comments or ask away—let’s make dinner magic together.

You can also follow more daily creations over on my Pinterest @NinaDishes.

Stuffed Meatballs with Mozzarella Cheese

Author: Nina Klatten
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 12-14 meatballs

Print Recipe

Description

Juicy and tender beef meatballs stuffed with melty mozzarella cheese and seasoned to perfection. These stuffed meatballs are pan-seared and baked until golden, perfect for pasta nights, subs, or served as appetizers with dipping sauces.

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix just until combined to avoid tough meatballs.

2. Take about 2 tablespoons of the meat mixture and flatten it in your hand. Place a cube of mozzarella in the center and wrap the meat around it, sealing it completely. Repeat with remaining meat and cheese.

3. In a skillet over medium heat, drizzle olive oil and sear the meatballs until browned on all sides, about 6-8 minutes.

4. Transfer to a baking dish and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes or until fully cooked through.

5. Optionally, simmer in marinara sauce for 10-15 minutes instead of baking.

6. Serve hot with pasta, on subs, or as an appetizer with dipping sauce.