Elevate your dinner game with these Smoked Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs, where each meatball hides a gooey center of smoked mozzarella, offering a smoky surprise with every bite. This dish perfectly combines the savory depth of seasoned meat with the distinct, rich flavor of smoked mozzarella, creating a delectable contrast that’s sure to delight any palate.
These meatballs are not only bursting with flavor but also present a delightful twist to the traditional meatball recipe, making them a standout dish for any meal. Whether served over spaghetti for a hearty dinner or enjoyed as an appetizer, these meatballs are sure to impress with their melty, cheesy centers and robust seasoning.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Serving: 16 meatballs
Equipment: Oven, large mixing bowl, baking dish
Smoked Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 small onion, grated
- 1/2 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped
- 2/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup Italian bread crumbs
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons + 1/3 cup marinara sauce (such as Victoria’s)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 package of ground beef (1.5-2 lbs)
- 16 cubes of smoked mozzarella cheese (1/2 inch each)
Directions:
- Position the oven rack in the lower third of the oven and preheat to 400 degrees F.
- In a large bowl, combine the grated onion, chopped parsley, Parmesan cheese, bread crumbs, egg, 2 tablespoons of marinara sauce, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Add the ground beef to the bowl and mix thoroughly with your hands.
- Shape the mixture into 16 meatballs. Press a hole in the center of each meatball and insert a cube of smoked mozzarella. Carefully reform the meatball to completely encase the cheese.
- Spoon 1/3 cup of marinara sauce into the bottom of a baking dish and place the meatballs on top.
- Drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil over the meatballs.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through.
Serve these Smoked Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs hot, topped with a bit more marinara sauce or alongside your favorite pasta. Each meatball offers a cheesy, savory experience that makes dining a true pleasure. Perfect for gatherings or a family-style meal, they are sure to be a hit!