Baked Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs
Are you craving a hearty and flavorful dish that will impress your family and friends? Look no further than the Baked Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs Recipe! These succulent meatballs filled with gooey mozzarella cheese are sure to delight your taste buds and leave you wanting more. In this article, we will walk you through the entire process of creating these delectable meatballs, providing insights, tips, and a handy table sheet of ingredients for your convenience.
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Baked Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs, Ingredients in Table Sheet
Before we dive into the detailed step-by-step instructions, let’s take a look at the list of ingredients you’ll need to create these heavenly meatballs.
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| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ground beef | 1 pound |
| Ground pork | 1/2 pound |
| Breadcrumbs | 1/2 cup |
| Milk | 1/2 cup |
| Egg | 1 |
| Fresh parsley, chopped | 2 tablespoons |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves |
| Onion, finely chopped | 1/4 cup |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Black pepper | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Dried oregano | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Mozzarella cheese, cubed | 1 cup |
| Marinara sauce | 2 cups |
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Baked Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs
1. Preparing the Meatball Mixture
To kickstart this culinary adventure, let’s prepare the meatball mixture.
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- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef and ground pork. LSI Keywords: “Meatball Mixture,” “Ground Meat Combination.”
- In a separate bowl, soak the breadcrumbs in milk for a few minutes until they become soft and plump.
- Add the soaked breadcrumbs to the meat mixture, along with the egg, chopped parsley, minced garlic, finely chopped onion, salt, black pepper, and dried oregano.
- Use your hands to gently mix all the ingredients until they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture. LSI Keywords: “Mixing Ingredients,” “Hand Mixing Meat.”
2. Forming the Stuffed Meatballs
With the meatball mixture ready, it’s time to form the stuffed meatballs.
- Take a small portion of the meat mixture and flatten it in your palm.
- Place a cube of mozzarella cheese in the center of the flattened meat and carefully wrap the meat around the cheese, forming a ball. LSI Keywords: “Mozzarella Filling,” “Encasing Cheese.”
- Repeat this process until all the meat mixture and mozzarella are used up. The quantity of the mixture will yield approximately 12 meatballs.
3. Baking the Meatballs
Now that the meatballs are ready, it’s time to bake them to perfection.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place the stuffed meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each meatball.
- Bake the meatballs for 20-25 minutes or until they are cooked through and slightly golden brown. LSI Keywords: “Baking Temperature,” “Cooking Time.”
4. Serving the Baked Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs
The wait is over, and your Baked Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs are ready to be served.
- Heat the marinara sauce in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Once the meatballs are cooked, transfer them to a serving dish and pour the warm marinara sauce over them. LSI Keywords: “Serving Meatballs,” “Mozzarella Meatballs with Marinara Sauce.”
- Garnish with additional chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
- Serve the Baked Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs as an appetizer, side dish, or as a scrumptious main course. Your guests will love this delightful treat!
FAQs
Q: Can I use turkey instead of ground beef and pork for a healthier version?
A: Absolutely! Turkey is a great alternative that offers a leaner option without compromising on taste. Simply replace the ground beef and pork with ground turkey in the same quantity.
Q: Can I make these meatballs in advance and freeze them?
A: Yes, you can! After baking the meatballs, let them cool completely, and then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw and reheat in the oven or microwave.
Q: Can I use different types of cheese for the stuffing?
A: Certainly! While mozzarella complements the flavors perfectly, you can get creative and experiment with other cheese varieties like cheddar, provolone, or pepper jack for a unique twist.
Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes, you can substitute the regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers to make this recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.
Q: How can I prevent the meatballs from sticking to the baking sheet?
A: To prevent sticking, ensure you line the baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray before placing the meatballs on it.
Q: Can I use homemade marinara sauce instead of store-bought?
A: Absolutely! Homemade marinara sauce can add a personal touch to the dish and enhance the flavors even more.
In conclusion, the Baked Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs Recipe is a delightful and versatile dish that is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. With its juicy meatballs and gooey mozzarella surprise, it’s a culinary adventure worth embarking on. By following the step-by-step guide and using the table sheet of ingredients, you’ll master this recipe in no time. So go ahead, get cooking, and treat yourself to the delectable delight of Baked Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs!
