Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs – The Recipe Critic

Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs take classic meatballs to the next level! Tender and juicy with melty cheese on the inside. Serve these meatballs as a party appetizer or over spaghetti noodles for a hearty meal!

Ingredients to Make Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs

The meatball base uses staple ingredients, just make sure to have your cheese on hand because it’s the BEST part of this recipe! Follow the recipe card below for exact measurements.

• Ground Beef: I prefer lean ground beef for this recipe!
• Italian Breadcrumbs: Give the texture and structure of the meatballs.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a delicious cheesy flavor to the meatball mixture!
• Egg: The egg helps add structure and bind the meatball mixture together.
• Onion: Finely minced onion for added flavor.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic always.
• Oregano and Basil: Add delicious flavor using Italian seasonings.
• Salt and Pepper: Helps balance and enhance the flavors.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Cubed fresh mozzarella gives the best melty results but I list other options below!
• Homemade Marinara: Use jarred marinara or try my homemade recipe because it is fantastic!
• Spaghetti Noodles: For serving, but use any kind of noodles you like!

How to Make Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs

Homemade meatballs are so easy and fun to make! Who wouldn’t love melty cheese oozing out of their meatballs? The best part is that you pop them in the oven and then warm them in your favorite sauce. Easy peasy and the whole family will want these meatballs on the weekly dinner rotation!

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, add the ground beef, bread crumbs, parmesan cheese, onion, garlic, egg, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
2. Mix until everything is just combined.
3. Take about 1 ½ tablespoons of meatball mixture in your hand and start forming it into a ball. Take one piece of the diced mozzarella, pop it into the center of the meatball, and continue to form a ball around the cheese. The meatballs should be 1 inch in diameter.
4. Place the finished meatballs onto the prepared baking sheet pan. Once the meatballs are all formed, place them in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
5. While the meatballs are baking, cook the noodles according to the package directions. Remove the cooked meatballs from the oven.
6. In a large saucepan or pot, add the meatballs and marinara sauce. Cook over medium-high heat until the sauce is heated evenly and the meatballs are all coated in sauce. Remove the meatballs and sauce from the heat and serve with the cooked pasta.