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Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs
Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs are Bursting with savory flavors and gooey cheese, these mouthwatering meatballs are a true crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving them as a hearty appetizer or as the star of a comforting pasta dish, each bite promises a symphony of taste and texture. Join us as we embark on a journey to savor the comforting warmth and cheesy goodness of these delectable mozzarella-stuffed meatballs!
What you’ll love about this recipe:
- Surprise Cheese Center: Each bite of these meatballs offers a delightful surprise as you encounter the gooey, melted mozzarella cheese hidden within. It’s like a delicious treasure hunt in every bite!
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of savory meat seasoned to perfection with aromatic herbs and spices, combined with the creamy richness of melted mozzarella, creates an explosion of flavor that will leave your taste buds craving more.
- Perfectly Juicy: The mozzarella cheese adds a layer of moisture and juiciness to the meatballs, ensuring they stay tender and succulent from the first bite to the last.
- Versatile: These meatballs are incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways. Enjoy them as a standalone appetizer, pair them with pasta and marinara sauce for a classic Italian meal, or even use them to make meatball subs or sliders.
- Family Favorite: Loved by both kids and adults alike, Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs are a family-friendly dish that is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
- Impressive Presentation: Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply treating yourself to a special meal, serving Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs is guaranteed to impress your guests with their enticing appearance and delicious taste.
- Easy to Make: Despite their gourmet appearance, these meatballs are surprisingly easy to prepare. With just a few simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you can whip up a batch in no time.
- Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the meatballs in advance and refrigerate or freeze them until you’re ready to cook. This makes them a convenient option for meal prep or entertainment.
- Customizable: Feel free to customize the recipe to suit your taste preferences. You can experiment with different types of cheese, herbs, and spices to create your own unique variation of mozzarella-stuffed meatballs.
- Comfort Food Perfection: There’s something undeniably comforting about biting into a warm, cheesy meatball. Whether enjoyed on a cozy night in or shared with loved ones, Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs are the epitome of comfort food bliss.
Ingredients for Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs
- 1 pound of ground beef
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons of parsley
- 1 egg
- 1 cup of shredded Parmesan cheese
- 12 pieces of mozzarella string cheese, cut into 1-inch pieces
Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs Recipe
Air Fryer Directions:
- Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, egg, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic, and parsley until well mixed.
- Shape the mixture into 1-inch balls, then press a piece of mozzarella into the center of each ball, shaping the meat around the cheese.
- Place the meatballs in a single layer in the preheated air fryer basket.
- Cook in the air fryer for 7 minutes.
- Flip the meatballs over and continue to cook for an additional 4 minutes, or until cooked through and golden brown.
- Remove from the air fryer and serve with marinara sauce for dipping.
Oven Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, egg, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic, and parsley until well mixed.
- Shape the mixture into 1-inch balls, then press a piece of mozzarella into the center of each ball, shaping the meat around the cheese.
- Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the cheese is melted and gooey.
- Serve with marinara sauce for dipping.
Stove-top Directions:
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of olive oil.
- Mix together the ground beef, egg, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic, and parsley in a bowl until combined.
- Shape the mixture into 1-inch balls, then press a piece of mozzarella into the center of each ball, shaping the meat around the cheese.
- Place the meatballs in the skillet, making sure they are in a single layer and not overcrowded.
- Cook the meatballs for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are browned on all sides and cooked through.
- Serve with marinara sauce for dipping.
Tips & Tricks
- Use Lean Ground Beef: Opt for lean ground beef to avoid excessive grease and ensure that the meatballs hold their shape well during cooking.
- Keep Ingredients Cold: Refrigerate the mozzarella pieces before stuffing them into the meatballs to prevent them from melting too quickly during cooking.
- Use Fresh Garlic and Herbs: Fresh garlic and parsley will provide the best flavor in your meatballs. Avoid using pre-packaged garlic or dried herbs for optimal taste.
- Be Gentle: When shaping the meatballs, handle the mixture gently to prevent compacting the meat too much, which can result in dense meatballs.
- Create an Indentation: Before inserting the mozzarella, create a small indentation in each meatball to help secure the cheese in place.
- Adjust Cooking Time: Cooking times may vary depending on the size and thickness of your meatballs, as well as your cooking method. Keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking or burning.
- Use an Instant-Read Thermometer: For best results, use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the meatballs reaches 160°F (71°C) for safe consumption.
- Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to customize the flavor of your meatballs by adding your favorite seasonings or spices to the meat mixture.
- Let Them Rest: Allow the meatballs to rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and flavorful bite.
- Double the Recipe: These meatballs freeze well, so consider making a double batch and freezing the extras for quick and easy meals later on.
FAQs about Stuffed Meatballs
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Mozzarella Stuffed Air Fryer Meatballs
Yield:
12
Prep Time:
10 minutes
Cook Time:
12 minutes
Total Time:
22 minutes
Mozzarella Stuffed Air Fryer Meatballs are delicious and moist. They are filled with gooey mozzarella cheese on the inside and have a crispy outside. Serve them with your favorite sauce or eat alone. Once you try these, you won’t want them any other way!
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- 2 tbsp parsley
- 1 egg
- 1 cup shredded parmesan cheese
- 12 1" pieces of mozzarella string cheese
Instructions
- Pre-heat air fryer to 390.
- Mix together ground beef, egg, parmesan cheese, bread crumbs, garlic, and parsley.
- Shape into 1" balls using a scooper.
- Press mozzarella into the center of each ball and shape meat around the cheese. (you can skip this if you want regular meatballs)
- Place meatballs in a single layer in the preheated air fryer.
- Cook on air-fry for 7 minutes.
- Flip the meatballs over and continue to cook for an additional 4 minutes.
- Remove and serve with marinara sauce.
Notes
You can skip adding the cheese to the center if you wish.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 487Total Fat: 29gSaturated Fat: 12gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 13gCholesterol: 167mgSodium: 605mgCarbohydrates: 11gFiber: 1gSugar: 1gProtein: 43g
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