Stuffed Meatballs with Mozzarella Cheese – Easy & Delicious Dinner Recipe!

Are you looking for a dinner that truly impresses but is wonderfully straightforward to prepare? A meal guaranteed to have the whole family clearing their plates and asking for another helping? We’ve all had those moments, pondering what to cook that feels a bit special without demanding hours of our time. Well, your search is officially over. Allow us to introduce you to the ultimate family favourite: our Stuffed Meatballs with Mozzarella Cheese – Easy & Delicious Dinner Recipe! Just picture perfectly seasoned, succulent meatballs with a heart of glorious, gooey, melted mozzarella, all simmering gently in a rich tomato sauce. It’s pure comfort in a dish.

Why We Absolutely Adore This Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs Recipe

This is far more than just a standard meatball recipe; it’s a brilliant solution for busy weeknight dinners and relaxed weekend gatherings. We find ourselves returning to this dish again and again, and here’s exactly why we think you will, too:

• • The Hidden Treasure: The moment you slice into one of these meatballs and discover that molten river of mozzarella, you’ll know you’ve created something special. It’s a delightful surprise that elevates the dish from simply good to truly unforgettable.
  • Exceptionally Flavourful: We use a classic blend of beef and pork mince, seasoned with fragrant herbs, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. This combination produces a beautifully balanced and deeply savoury flavour that complements the creamy cheese centre perfectly.

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• Wonderfully Simple: Although they look incredibly impressive, these mozzarella stuffed meatballs are surprisingly easy to make. We will guide you through each straightforward step.
• Adaptable and Family-Friendly: You can serve them over spaghetti, with a side of crusty bread for dipping, or even packed into a sub sandwich. It’s a meal that both children and adults adore, making it one of our go-to family dinner ideas.

Essential Ingredients You’ll Need

To bring these cheesy marvels to life, we rely on a small selection of simple, high-quality ingredients. We find that using fresh components makes a significant difference to the overall flavour. Here is everything you will need to get started.

• For the Meatballs:
  • 500g beef mince (we recommend an 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
  • 500g pork mince
  • 150g fresh breadcrumbs
  • 80g freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 200g small mozzarella balls (bocconcini) or a block of low-moisture mozzarella, cut into 1-inch cubes
• For the Sauce & Cooking:
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 800g passata or crushed tomatoes
  • 1 clove garlic, thinly sliced
  • A handful of fresh basil leaves
  • Pinch of sugar (optional, to balance acidity)

Step-by-Step Guide to the Perfect Cheesy Meatball Bake

Are you ready to make a little kitchen magic? Just follow our simple instructions for the most delicious cheesy meatball bake you’ve ever had. We assure you, it’s much easier than you might think!

1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, bring together the beef and pork mince, fresh breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, beaten eggs, minced garlic, chopped onion, parsley, and oregano. Season it all generously with salt and pepper. Using your hands, gently combine all the ingredients until they are just incorporated. Be careful not to overwork the mixture, as this can result in tough meatballs. A delicate touch is the secret to a tender finish!

2. The Secret to Stuffing: The Mozzarella Core

Take a portion of the meat mixture, roughly the size of a golf ball, and flatten it into the palm of your hand. Pop a mozzarella ball or cube right in the middle. Gently wrap the meat around the cheese, rolling it between your palms to create a smooth, sealed ball. Check for any cracks where the cheese might escape while cooking and pinch them closed. Repeat this process with the rest of the mixture.

3. Searing for Maximum Flavour

Warm the olive oil in a large, heavy-based pan or a Dutch oven over a medium-high heat. Place the meatballs into the hot pan, taking care not to overcrowd it; you may need to work in batches. Brown the meatballs on all sides, turning them carefully. This step is vital as it builds a gorgeous crust and a deep, savoury flavour through what is known as the Maillard reaction. Once they are nicely browned, lift the meatballs out of the pan and set them aside for a moment.

4. Simmer to Perfection

Using the same pan, turn the heat down to medium and add the thinly sliced garlic. Sauté for around 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant. Next, pour in the passata, add the fresh basil leaves, and a pinch of sugar if desired. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Carefully place the browned meatballs back into the pan, nestling them into the rich sauce. Pop a lid on, lower the heat, and allow them to simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the meatballs are thoroughly cooked and the sauce has thickened nicely.

Top Tips for the Best Meatball Recipe

Through making this dish many times, we’ve gathered a few helpful tricks to ensure our homemade meatballs turn out perfectly every single time. Here are our best tips:

• Don’t Overmix: As we mentioned earlier, combining the meat mixture gently is absolutely key. Overworking it develops the proteins too much, which can lead to dense and rubbery meatballs.
• Use Full-Fat Mozzarella: To achieve that incredible cheese pull, we recommend using a low-moisture, whole-milk mozzarella. Pre-shredded varieties often have anti-caking agents that can stop the cheese from melting as beautifully.
• Wet Your Hands: It’s a good idea to keep a small bowl of water nearby. Dampen your hands slightly before you roll each meatball. This simple trick prevents the mixture from sticking and helps you form a perfectly round shape.
• Make a Test Patty: Before you roll out all the meatballs, it’s wise to fry a small piece of the mixture to taste-test the seasoning. You can then adjust the salt and pepper if needed.

Serving Suggestions and Delicious Variations

One of our favourite aspects of this recipe is its sheer versatility. There are so many wonderful ways to serve these baked stuffed meatballs!

What to Serve with Your Stuffed Meatballs

• Classic Spaghetti: This is the ultimate partnership! Serve the meatballs over a generous portion of freshly cooked spaghetti and finish with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan.
• Crusty Bread: A warm, fresh baguette or ciabatta is an absolute must for soaking up every last bit of that delicious tomato sauce.
• Creamy Polenta: For a wonderfully comforting and gluten-free alternative, try serving the meatballs and sauce over a bed of soft, creamy polenta.
• Meatball Subs: Load the meatballs into a crusty roll, add more cheese on top, and place it under the grill for a couple of minutes until melted. Pure bliss!

Easy Recipe Variations

Please feel free to be creative! You can easily adjust this recipe to suit your own preferences. You could try adding a pinch of chilli flakes to the sauce for a little warmth, or perhaps swap the pork mince for crumbled Italian sausage meat. For another comforting meal idea that uses beef mince, we highly recommend our Easy Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup Recipe The Ultimate Comfort Food. Or, if you’re craving a creamy pasta dish, have a look at our Our Ultimate Easy Creamy Garlic Parmesan Beef Rotini Recipe.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Definitely! You can prepare and roll the uncooked meatballs up to 24 hours in advance. Simply store them in a sealed container in the refrigerator. You could also cook the entire dish beforehand and simply reheat it thoroughly when you are ready to eat.

How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, warm them gently in a saucepan on the hob or in the microwave until they are piping hot all the way through.

Can I freeze stuffed meatballs?

Yes, this is one of the best meatball recipe for freezing. You can freeze them either before or after cooking. To freeze them uncooked, arrange the rolled meatballs on a baking tray in a single layer and place them in the freezer until solid. Once frozen, you can transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They will keep for up to 3 months. You can cook them directly from frozen, just add an extra 15-20 minutes to the simmering time.

Why did the mozzarella leak out of my meatballs?

This typically occurs if the meatball wasn’t sealed securely around the cheese. Take care to pinch any seams together and roll the meatballs until they are completely smooth and sealed before you begin searing them.

Conclusion: Your New Favourite Family Dinner Awaits

So there you have it—our simple, reliable guide to creating the most sensational cheese-stuffed meatballs. This recipe is a wonderful reminder that you don’t need complex methods or rare ingredients to make a meal that is profoundly satisfying and packed with flavour. It is the perfect dish for gathering your loved ones around the dinner table.

We sincerely hope you give this recipe a go. When you do, we would be delighted to hear how you got on! Please leave a comment below or tag us in your pictures on social media. Happy cooking!