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A bowl containing a gooey mozzarella stuffed meatball in marinara sauce and a slice of garlic bread for dipping.

Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs

How do you improve something as classic as the beloved meatball? Stuff it with cheese, of course! This recipe stars moist meatballs loaded with gooey mozzarella cheese that are simmered in tomato sauce and served with garlic bread dippers for dunking.
5 from 4 votes
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients  

  • 1/4 cup whole milk
  • 1/4 cup Italian breadcrumbs
  • 1 pound ground meat of choice (See Kelly’s Note)
  • 1 Tablespoon minced garlic
  • 2 teaspoons minced Italian parsley, plus more for serving 
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 string cheese, each cut into four 1-inch pieces 
  • 2 Tablespoons olive oil 
  • 3 cups homemade or store-bought marinara sauce
  • Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
  • Garlic bread, for serving (optional) 

Instructions 

  • In a small bowl, combine the milk and breadcrumbs. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes. 
  • In a large bowl, combine the breadcrumb mixture with the ground meat, garlic, parsley, egg, salt and pepper.
  • Using your hands, mix together the ingredients just until combined. (Do not overmix or the meatballs will be tough.)
  • Divide the meat mixture into eight portions and roll it into balls. Insert a piece of string cheese into the center of each meatball, pinching the meat mixture to seal the cheese inside. Repeat the stuffing process with the remaining meat mixture.
  • Add the olive oil to a large skillet set over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, brown the meatballs on all sides in batches. Transfer the meatballs to a plate and wipe the skillet clean.
  • Add the tomato sauce to the skillet. Return the meatballs to the skillet and toss to combine with the sauce. Cover the skillet and simmer the meatballs over low heat until cooked through, about 10 minutes.
  • Top the meatballs with grated Parmesan cheese and parsley then serve with crusty bread for dipping.

Notes

  • My go-to mix is 1/2 pound ground beef and 1/2 pound Italian sausage, however any ground meat (beef, pork, chicken or turkey) will work in this recipe.
  • These meatballs simmer in any marinara sauce, but my go-to is my Homemade Marinara Sauce. It’s simple, flavorful and ready in just 10 minutes.
  • My favorite way to serve these mozzarella stuffed meatballs is with plenty of Cheesy Garlic Bread for dunking into the marinara. It’s quick to make and the perfect side for soaking up all that marinara.
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