Cheesy Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs in Marinara
Highlighted under: Comfort Food
These Cheesy Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs in Marinara are a delightful combination of juicy, flavorful meatballs enveloping gooey, melted mozzarella cheese. Perfectly simmered in a rich marinara sauce, this comforting dish is ideal for family dinners or game day gatherings. Serve them with crusty bread or on top of your favorite pasta for a satisfying meal that's sure to impress!
These meatballs are not only delicious but also a fun way to surprise your guests with the gooey cheese hidden inside!
The Perfect Family Meal
When it comes to family dinners, a satisfying and delicious meal can bring everyone together. Cheesy Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs in Marinara are not just flavorful but also easy to prepare. The combination of tender meatballs and gooey cheese creates a dish that appeals to kids and adults alike. Plus, the versatility of serving them with a side of pasta or crusty bread makes them a winner on any dinner table.
This recipe is especially great because it allows you to customize the ingredients to suit your family’s taste preferences. Want a spicier kick? Add more red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce. Prefer a fresh herb flavor? Toss in some oregano or thyme. These simple tweaks ensure that everyone at the table will enjoy this comforting dish, making mealtime a joyful experience.
Game Day Favorite
Cheesy Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs in Marinara aren’t just for family dinners; they are also a fantastic choice for game day gatherings. Whether you're hosting friends or simply enjoying a casual day at home, these meatballs can elevate your menu and create an exciting atmosphere. Serve them as an appetizer alongside toothpicks for easy eating, or set up a meatball sandwich bar with rolls and varying sauces for a fun and interactive food experience.
Their cheesy surprise centers will delight your guests, making them irresistible. Pair these meatballs with a side of crispy garlic bread or a fresh garden salad to balance out the flavors. And let’s not forget about the marinara sauce, perfect for dipping! Your game day spread will surely be a hit with these crowd-pleasers ready to rock your party.
Easy Cooking Process
One of the best aspects of making Cheesy Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs in Marinara is how straightforward the cooking process is. You don’t need to be a gourmet chef to impress your family and friends. Start by mixing up simple ingredients like ground beef, breadcrumbs, and cheese. After rolling them up, a quick sear in the skillet adds depth of flavor before they simmer in marinara sauce, transforming the dish into a rich culinary delight.
This one-pan dish minimizes cleanup while maximizing flavor, making it ideal for busy weeknights or when hosting gatherings. In just a matter of minutes, you can create a meal that feels special and indulgent. The ability to prepare these meatballs in advance and reheat them means you can focus on enjoying time with your loved ones.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to make these delicious meatballs:
For the Meatballs
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 ounces mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes
For the Marinara Sauce
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh basil for garnish
Now that you have everything, let's move on to the cooking steps!
Instructions
Follow these steps to create your Cheesy Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs:
Prepare the Meatballs
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
Stuff the Meatballs
Take a portion of the meat mixture, flatten it in your hand, and place a cube of mozzarella in the center. Encase the cheese by rolling the meat into a ball.
Cook the Meatballs
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
Add the Sauce
Pour marinara sauce over the meatballs. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
Serve
Garnish with fresh basil before serving. Enjoy your cheesy meatballs with crusty bread or on pasta!
Enjoy your delicious meal!
Storage Tips
Storing leftover Cheesy Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs in Marinara is simple. After they cool, place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors continue to meld together, making the dish even more delicious the next day.
If you wish to keep them longer, consider freezing the meatballs. Once cooked, allow them to cool completely before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm them in a skillet or the microwave, adding some extra marinara to keep them moist.
Serving Suggestions
Cheesy Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs in Marinara are incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. For an Italian-inspired feast, serve them over your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti or fettuccine, and sprinkle with extra Parmesan for a deliciously comforting meal. Another option is to place the meatballs on a sub roll and top them with marinara sauce and cheese for a hearty meatball sub that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.
For a lighter option, serve the meatballs accompanied by a crisp garden salad. Fresh greens, cherry tomatoes, and a zesty vinaigrette can balance the rich flavors of the dish, enhancing the overall dining experience. Adding garlic bread is also a great way to soak up any extra marinara sauce, ensuring that no flavors go to waste.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute mozzarella with provolone or cheddar.
→ How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of regular ones.
Cheesy Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs in Marinara
These Cheesy Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs in Marinara are a delightful combination of juicy, flavorful meatballs enveloping gooey, melted mozzarella cheese. Perfectly simmered in a rich marinara sauce, this comforting dish is ideal for family dinners or game day gatherings. Serve them with crusty bread or on top of your favorite pasta for a satisfying meal that's sure to impress!
Created by: Georgia Lane
Recipe Type: Comfort Food
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
For the Meatballs
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 ounces mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes
For the Marinara Sauce
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh basil for garnish
How-To Steps
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
Take a portion of the meat mixture, flatten it in your hand, and place a cube of mozzarella in the center. Encase the cheese by rolling the meat into a ball.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
Pour marinara sauce over the meatballs. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
Garnish with fresh basil before serving. Enjoy your cheesy meatballs with crusty bread or on pasta!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fat: 20g