“Baked Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs”

“Baked Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs” is a mouth-watering dish that combines the heartiness of perfectly seasoned ground meat with the creamy, melted delight of mozzarella cheese. Each meatball is a meticulously crafted sphere of flavor, starting with a mix of ground meats—often beef and pork—for richness and depth. The meats are expertly seasoned with a blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and parsley, contributing to the robust Italian-inspired flavor profile.

Inside each meatball lies a surprise core of mozzarella cheese, a hidden treasure that oozes out with every bite, creating a delightful contrast of textures between the crispy exterior and the gooey, cheesy center. The meatballs are carefully encased to ensure the cheese stays inside while baking.

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 marinara sauce plus 1/3 cup
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
Salt and pepper to taste
1 package of ground beef (1.5-2lbs)
16 cubed pieces of mozzarella cheese (1/2 inch cubes)

PREPARATION:

Position the oven rack in the lower 1/3 of the oven. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. In a large bowl, combine the onion, parsley, parm cheese, bread crumbs, egg, marinara, garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Once mixed, add in the beef, mixing with your hands. Shape the meat mixture into 16 meatballs.
Make a hole in the center of each meatball and place a cube of mozzarella inside. Reform the meatball so the cheese is completely concealed. Spoon 1/3 cup marinara into the bottom of a baking dish. Place the meatballs inside and drizzle with a little extra virgin olive oil. Bake for 15 minutes until cooked through.