Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs in Marinara Sauce Recipe
Delicious mozzarella stuffed meatballs baked to perfection and simmered in rich marinara sauce, served over tender spaghetti noodles. This recipe combines flavorful Italian-seasoned ground beef with gooey mozzarella cheese for a comforting and satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
Meatball Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- ¼ cup Italian bread crumbs
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese (pre-grated from the jar)
- ¼ cup yellow onion, minced (about ¼ small onion)
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced (about 2 cloves)
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, diced into ½ inch pieces
Additional Ingredients
- Marinara sauce (quantity sufficient to coat meatballs, approximately 2 cups)
- Spaghetti noodles (enough for 4 servings, about 12 ounces dry)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy clean-up.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, Italian bread crumbs, grated parmesan cheese, minced yellow onion, garlic, egg, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper until just combined. Overmixing can make the meat tough.
- Shape Meatballs: Take about 1 ½ tablespoons of the meat mixture and form it into a small ball. Press one piece of diced mozzarella cheese into the center and continue shaping the meat around the cheese to form a sealed 1-inch diameter ball.
- Bake Meatballs: Arrange the prepared meatballs on the lined baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, flipping the meatballs halfway through to ensure even cooking and browning.
- Cook Spaghetti: While the meatballs bake, prepare the spaghetti noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat Sauce: Once the meatballs are done baking, transfer them to a large saucepan or pot with the marinara sauce. Heat over medium-high heat, stirring gently, until the sauce is warmed through and the meatballs are fully coated.
- Serve: Plate the spaghetti noodles and spoon the marinara-coated meatballs over the top. Serve immediately for a hearty and cheesy Italian classic.
Notes
- Ensure mozzarella pieces are fully enclosed to prevent cheese from leaking during baking.
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Use fresh herbs if available for a brighter flavor.
- Leftover meatballs can be refrigerated and reheated in sauce for up to 3 days.
- For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes to the meat mixture.
Keywords: mozzarella stuffed meatballs, baked meatballs, Italian meatballs, mozzarella cheese, marinara sauce, spaghetti recipe
