Stuffed Meatballs with Mozzarella Cheese

I discovered this stuffed meatballs with mozzarella cheese recipe after a disappointing restaurant experience where the “cheese-stuffed” meatballs had barely any cheese inside. The combination of tender beef and pork with that perfect gooey mozzarella center creates the ultimate comfort food that always gets my family asking for seconds.

There’s something magical about cutting into a perfectly browned meatball and watching melted mozzarella cheese stretch out in golden strings. These protein-packed beauties take your average weeknight dinner and turn it into something special. I’ve been making these cheese stuffed meatballs for years, and they never fail to impress guests or satisfy my hungry teenagers. The secret is in the flour-dusted mozzarella cubes that prevent leaking during cooking.

Everything You Need for Perfect Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs

I always recommend using a combination of ground beef and pork for the most flavorful and tender stuffed meatballs with mozzarella cheese. The pork adds moisture while the beef provides that hearty, satisfying taste we all crave.

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend – I swear by this ratio for juiciness)
• 1/2 lb ground pork (adds incredible flavor and moisture)
• 1 cup fresh breadcrumbs (day-old bread works perfectly)
• 1/2 cup whole milk (for softening breadcrumbs)
• 1 large egg (for binding everything together)
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese (adds amazing depth)
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (oregano, basil, thyme mix)
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to your taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground

For the Cheese Filling:

• 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons flour (pro tip – this prevents cheese leakage)

For Cooking:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for browning)
• 2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or quality store-bought)

My Step-by-Step Method for Mozzarella Stuffed Perfection

I recommend chilling your meat mixture for 30 minutes before shaping – this makes all the difference in how well your meatballs hold together during cooking.

Step 1: Combine breadcrumbs and milk in a large bowl, let sit for 5 minutes until the bread becomes soft and spongy.

Step 2: Add ground beef, pork, egg, Parmesan, garlic, onion, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the bowl. Mix gently with clean hands until just combined – overmixing creates tough meatballs.

Step 3: Chill the meat mixture for 30 minutes in the refrigerator. This helps the stuffed meatballs with mozzarella cheese hold their shape better during cooking.

Step 4: Cut your fresh mozzarella into 1-inch cubes and dust them lightly with flour. This coating helps prevent the cheese from leaking out during cooking.

Step 5: Take 2 tablespoons of meat mixture and flatten it in your palm. Place a cheese cube in the center and carefully wrap the meat around it, sealing completely. Roll into smooth balls, checking for cracks.

Step 6: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown your meatballs on all sides for 6-8 minutes total, working in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.

Step 7: Add marinara sauce around the browned meatballs, cover, and simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

What to Serve with These Cheesy Meatball Beauties

These stuffed meatballs with mozzarella cheese pair beautifully with both classic and creative sides that complement their rich, savory flavors.

Spaghetti or Linguine: The classic pairing that never fails – the pasta soaks up that delicious marinara sauce while providing the perfect base for these protein-rich meatballs.

Garlic Bread: Crusty bread is essential for sopping up every drop of sauce and makes this meal feel like a true Italian feast.

Caesar Salad: The crisp romaine and tangy dressing cut through the richness of the cheese-stuffed meatballs perfectly.

Roasted Vegetables: Try zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant roasted with herbs – they add color and nutrition to balance the indulgent meatballs.

Polenta or Rice: These creamy bases work wonderfully for the best stuffed meatballs, especially if you want to skip the pasta.

Comfort Food Favorites That Go Together Perfectly

These gooey Stuffed Meatballs with Mozzarella Cheese create the ultimate comfort food experience when paired with our other satisfying recipes. Start your meal with elegant appetizers like our Cranberry Pecan Brie in Flaky Puff Pastry and Herb and Cheese Stuffed Puff Pastry Bites to build anticipation for this show-stopping main course.

For family-style dinners, these meatballs pair wonderfully with other hearty favorites like our creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta for a pasta night variety. Balance the richness with lighter options like our protein-packed Viral Cottage Cheese Flatbread or BBQ Chicken Flatbread. Complete your comfort food feast with indulgent desserts like Orange Chocolate Christmas Truffles and Hot Chocolate Cookies.

Storing and Reheating Your Mozzarella Meatballs

I recommend storing these stuffed meatballs with mozzarella cheese in their sauce for the best flavor and moisture retention. They’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and actually taste even better the next day.

For reheating, warm them gently on the stovetop with a splash of extra marinara sauce, or use the microwave on 50% power to prevent the cheese from becoming rubbery. Never reheat on high heat as this can make the mozzarella tough.

Pro tip: These freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. I often make a double batch and freeze half for those busy weeknight dinners when I need something special but don’t have time to cook from scratch.

Common Questions About Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs

Your Family Will Love These Restaurant-Quality Meatballs

Making stuffed meatballs with mozzarella cheese at home is so much easier than you might think, and the results are incredibly rewarding. That moment when you cut into a meatball and see the cheese stretch out never gets old – it’s pure dinner table magic that brings everyone together.

Try this recipe tonight and watch your family’s faces light up when they discover that gooey cheese center. Once you master this technique, you’ll never want to go back to regular meatballs again!

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