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- 1 pound ground beef - 1/2 pound ground pork (or chicken or turkey) - 1 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - 2 garlic cloves, minced - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - Use chicken or turkey instead of beef and pork - Try different cheeses like provolone or cheddar - Add spices like paprika or crushed red pepper for more flavor This blend of ingredients makes the meatballs rich and tasty. The fresh mozzarella inside adds a fun surprise. You can mix and match to suit your taste. For the full recipe, check the link above. To start, gather all your ingredients. In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese. Add in the fresh parsley, minced garlic, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Crack the egg into the bowl and stir everything until it blends well. Use your hands to ensure all flavors combine nicely. This step is key for tasty meatballs. Next, take a small portion of the meat mixture, about 2 tablespoons. Flatten it in your palm. Place one cube of mozzarella right in the center. Fold the meat around the cheese, shaping it into a ball. Make sure the cheese is fully enclosed. Repeat this process until you form all the meatballs. This step may get a bit messy, but it is part of the fun! Now, it’s time to cook. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, gently place the meatballs in the skillet. Brown them on all sides for about 5-7 minutes. After that, take them out and set them aside. In the same skillet, pour in the marinara sauce. Bring it to a gentle simmer. Carefully add the browned meatballs back into the skillet. Cover and let them cook in the sauce for 15-20 minutes. This helps the flavors mix and lets the cheese melt. Enjoy the aroma filling your kitchen! When frying meatballs, use a large skillet. This gives each meatball space to brown. Heat the olive oil over medium heat until it shimmers. Carefully add the meatballs in batches. Avoid crowding; this helps them brown nicely. Turn them to get an even color on all sides. This takes about 5 to 7 minutes. To achieve perfect browning, keep the heat steady. If the heat is too low, the meatballs will steam instead of brown. If it’s too high, they may burn outside while staying raw inside. You want a nice golden color for the best flavor. To check if your meatballs are fully cooked, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F. This ensures they are safe to eat. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut one in half. The center should be brown, not pink. For melted mozzarella, look for a slight ooze when you cut a meatball. If you see cheese spilling out, you’ve done it right! Marinades can add depth to your meatballs. Consider soaking the meat in a mix of olive oil, garlic, and herbs before cooking. This boosts flavor. Using fresh herbs for garnishing is a simple way to elevate your dish. Basil pairs wonderfully with marinara sauce. A sprinkle of chopped parsley adds color and freshness. For more spice, try red pepper flakes or a dash of smoked paprika. Explore ways to personalize your meatballs further! For the full recipe, check the link. {{image_2}} You can use different meats for these meatballs. Ground chicken or turkey works well. They keep the meatballs light and tender. If you want a plant-based option, try using ground mushrooms or lentils. These options give great flavor and keep the dish healthy. Sauce can change the whole meal. For a classic taste, stick with marinara sauce. It pairs well with the cheesy meatballs. If you want to try something new, go for a creamy sauce. A garlic Alfredo can add richness. Both options make the meal special and tasty. These meatballs are great as appetizers. Just serve them with toothpicks and sauce for dipping. They also shine as a main dish. You can pair them with spaghetti, garlic bread, or a fresh salad. Each option makes the meal complete and satisfying. For the full recipe, check out the Cheesy Delight Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs. To keep your meatballs fresh, place them in an airtight container. This method helps protect the meatballs from air and moisture. You can store them in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to let the meatballs cool to room temperature before sealing them. This prevents condensation, which can lead to sogginess. You can freeze meatballs before or after cooking. If freezing raw meatballs, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze them for about an hour. Once firm, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. For cooked meatballs, let them cool first, then pack them in a container. They will last up to three months in the freezer. When you want to use them, thaw them in the fridge overnight. Reheat them in the oven or in a skillet with some marinara sauce. This ensures they stay juicy and flavorful. In the fridge, cooked meatballs stay fresh for three to four days. If they are frozen, they can last up to three months. Always check for signs that they have gone bad. If you see any discoloration or a sour smell, it is best to throw them away. Keeping an eye on freshness will help you enjoy your delicious mozzarella stuffed meatballs longer. To keep your meatballs intact, you must use good binding agents. The egg in the mix helps hold them together. Breadcrumbs also act as a binder. Mix all ingredients gently; don't overwork the meat. Shape the meatballs firmly but not too tight. Yes, you can prepare these meatballs ahead of time. Form the meatballs and place them on a tray. Cover them with plastic wrap and chill them in the fridge. You can also freeze them for future use. Just thaw them in the fridge before cooking. These meatballs taste great with many sides. You can serve them over spaghetti for a classic dish. Garlic bread and a fresh salad pair nicely too. For a lighter option, try serving them with steamed veggies. For the full recipe with detailed instructions, check out the [Full Recipe](#). In this post, we explored the key ingredients for delicious mozzarella-stuffed meatballs. You learned how to mix, shape, and cook them for great flavor. We discussed tips for perfect doneness and creative variations like meat substitutions and sauce options. Remember to store leftovers properly for the best taste. These techniques will help you make meatballs that impress. Enjoy cooking, and make it fun with these tasty recipes!

Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with these Cheesy Delight Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs! Made with a flavorful mix of ground beef and pork, these meatballs are bursting with gooey mozzarella cheese in every bite. Simmered in rich marinara sauce, this dish is perfect for family dinners or special occasions. Ready in just 45 minutes, this recipe is sure to impress. Click to discover how to make this cheesy delight today!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound ground beef

1/2 pound ground pork (use chicken or turkey as an alternative, if desired)

1 cup breadcrumbs

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

1 large egg

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper to taste

8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes

2 cups marinara sauce

Olive oil, for frying

Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions
 

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, minced garlic, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.

    Take a small portion of the meat mixture (about 2 tablespoons) and flatten it in your palm.

      Place one cube of mozzarella in the center of the flattened meat, then fold the meat around it to form a ball, ensuring the cheese is completely enclosed. Repeat with the remaining meat mixture and cheese.

        Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a splash of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the meatballs carefully, cooking them in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.

          Brown the meatballs on all sides for about 5-7 minutes. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.

            In the same skillet, pour in the marinara sauce and bring it to a gentle simmer. Carefully add the browned meatballs back into the skillet. Cover and let them simmer in the sauce for an additional 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the cheese to melt.

              Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes before serving.

                Prep Time: 20 mins | Total Time: 45 mins | Servings: 4-6

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the meatballs in a shallow bowl, generously coated with marinara sauce. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and additional grated Parmesan cheese for an elegant touch. Serve with crusty bread or over a bed of spaghetti for a complete meal.