Description
Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs are a delicious and hearty dish featuring a mix of ground beef and turkey, seasoned with garlic, parsley, and parmesan. Each meatball is stuffed with gooey mozzarella cheese, baked to perfection for a juicy and flavorful experience. Perfect as an appetizer, party snack, or main course.
Ingredients
Meatball Mixture
- 1/2 lbs Ground beef
- 1/2 lbs Ground turkey
- 1/2 cup Breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup Milk
- 1 Egg
- 2 tablespoons Parsley (chopped)
- 1/4 cup Grated parmigiano reggiano cheese
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Pepper
- 6 cloves Garlic (minced)
Filling
- 24 Mozzarella cubes (4 mozzarella string cheese sticks cut into 6 pieces each)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Soften Breadcrumbs: In a bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk, letting the mixture sit for 3-5 minutes. This softens the breadcrumbs to help bind the meat mixture.
- Mix Ingredients: Add ground beef, ground turkey, egg, chopped parsley, grated parmigiano reggiano cheese, salt, pepper, and minced garlic to the soaked breadcrumbs. Mix thoroughly with your hands until well combined.
- Form Meatballs: Shape the mixture into 24 equal-sized balls using your hands to ensure even cooking and size consistency.
- Stuff Meatballs: Insert one mozzarella cube into the center of each meatball. Carefully mold the meat around the cheese, making sure it is completely enclosed. Roll each meatball between your palms for a smooth, uniform shape.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the stuffed meatballs evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet, allowing room for heat circulation.
- Bake: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), ensuring the meat is fully cooked and the cheese inside has melted.
- Serve: Remove the meatballs from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy these cheesy, flavorful meatballs hot as an appetizer or main dish.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature to ensure food safety.
- For extra flavor, you can add Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes to the meat mixture.
- These meatballs can be prepared in advance and frozen uncooked for a convenient meal later.
- Serve with marinara sauce for a classic pairing.
- Ensure mozzarella cubes are fully enclosed to prevent cheese from leaking during baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
