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Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs with Marinara and Basil Recipe

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★★★★★

4.1 from 49 reviews

Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs are juicy ground beef meatballs filled with gooey fresh mozzarella, coated in Parmesan and panko, pan-seared, then baked to perfection and served with a simple homemade marinara sauce.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatballs

  • 1 to 1 1/4 cups fresh breadcrumbs (about one 2 to 3 ounce french roll, processed)
  • 4 tablespoons milk, or half & half
  • 1 pound ground beef (85/15 ratio)
  • 1 egg
  • 3/4 cup grated parmesan, divided use
  • 2 cloves garlic, pressed through garlic press
  • 1 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 4 tablespoons chopped flat-leaf parsley
  • 8 mini fresh mozzarella balls (or about 3 ounces of a larger, fresh mozzarella ball), quartered to make 32 pea-sized pieces
  • 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • Olive oil

Marinara Sauce

  • 1/4 cup basil leaves, finely julienned
  • 1 (14 ounce) can organic crushed tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon dry oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 3 cloves garlic, pressed through garlic press
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Combine ingredients: To a large bowl, add the breadcrumbs and the milk (or half & half), and combine to moisten; next, add in the ground beef, the egg, 1/2 cup of the parmesan, and the remainder of the ingredients up to and including the chopped parsley.
  2. Mix and portion: Using your hands, combine all of the ingredients until well mixed; next, scoop out about 32, 3/4 ounce portions.
  3. Stuff meatballs: Take each of those portions, and flatten them out on the palm of your hand (like a mini burger patty), and lay one piece of the pea-sized mozzarella in the center; then, fold the meat over the mozzarella piece, and gently roll between your palms to create the meatballs.
  4. Chill meatballs: Chill the meatballs for about 20-30 minutes.
  5. Prepare marinara sauce: While your meatballs chill, prepare your simple marinara sauce, if making: to a small saucepan, add all of the sauce ingredients, and whisk to blend.
  6. Simmer sauce: Place the saucepan over medium heat, and once the sauce begins to simmer, reduce to low and allow it to gently simmer, uncovered and undisturbed, for 10 minutes.
  7. Store sauce: Serve while warm, or if preparing ahead, allow to cool and keep covered in fridge until ready to use.
  8. Preheat oven and prep baking sheet: Once the meatballs are chilled, preheat your oven to 350°, and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  9. Roll meatballs: Combine the remaining 1/4 cup of parmesan with the panko breadcrumbs, and roll each meatball in the mixture.
  10. Brown meatballs: Place a large, non-stick skillet over medium-high heat, and drizzle in a little of the oil; working in batches, add some of the meatballs into the pan, and allow them to brown, turning them on all sides, for about 2-3 minutes; then, place the browned meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, and repeat the process with the rest of the meatballs.
  11. Bake meatballs: Once all are browned and on the baking sheet, bake the meatballs for 10 minutes until the cheese is gooey, and the meatballs are cooked through.
  12. Serve: Top with a dollop of marinara sauce and a sprinkle of julienned basil, and serve with toothpicks.

Notes

  • Chill the meatballs for about 20-30 minutes before browning and baking.
  • If preparing sauce ahead, allow to cool and refrigerate covered until ready to use.

Keywords: mozzarella stuffed meatballs, Italian appetizer, baked meatballs, mozzarella cheese recipe, easy meatballs

Find it online: https://foodarohub.com/mozzarella-stuffed-meatballs-with-marinara-and-basil-recipe/