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The joy of cooking often lies in the marriage of flavors and textures, and few dishes embody this better than cheesy, baked meatballs. This recipe for Baked Mozzarella-Stuffed Meatballs is a delightful fusion of savory ground meats, aromatic herbs, and gooey melted cheese, all enveloped in a hearty marinara sauce. Ideal for family dinners or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer, these meatballs are not only satisfying but also easy to prepare. In this article, we will explore the ingredients, preparation steps, and serving suggestions, ensuring you have everything you need to create this comforting dish in your own kitchen.

Baked Mozzarella-Stuffed Meatballs

Discover the joy of cooking with Baked Mozzarella-Stuffed Meatballs, a delicious fusion of savory meats, gooey cheese, and rich marinara sauce. This recipe is perfect for family dinners or gatherings, offering a satisfying bite that's easy to prepare. Learn about the key ingredients, step-by-step preparation, and creative serving suggestions to impress your loved ones. Enjoy the comforting flavors and watch your kitchen come alive with mouthwatering aromas!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb ground beef

1 lb ground pork

1 cup breadcrumbs

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 large egg

1 tsp Italian seasoning

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for stuffing)

1 jar marinara sauce (about 24 oz)

Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

    Prepare Meat Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, parsley, minced garlic, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined, but do not overmix to keep the meatballs tender.

      Form Meatballs: Take a small amount of the meat mixture (about 2 tablespoons) and flatten it in your palm. Place a small cube (about 1 oz) of mozzarella cheese in the center, then fold the meat around the cheese and roll gently to form a meatball. Repeat until all the mixture is used, placing the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet.

        Bake Meatballs: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the meatballs are browned and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 160°F/70°C).

          Heat Marinara Sauce: While the meatballs bake, pour the marinara sauce into a saucepan and heat it over low-medium heat until warmed through.

            Serve: Once the meatballs are baked, let them cool for a few minutes. Serve the meatballs in a bowl with the warm marinara sauce poured over them. Garnish with fresh basil leaves.

              Enjoy: Use toothpicks for appetizers or serve over spaghetti for a hearty meal.

                Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 40 mins | Servings: 4-6