Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs

These Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs are the ultimate comfort food—perfectly seasoned, oven-baked meatballs bursting with gooey mozzarella cheese and smothered in a rich, homemade tomato sauce. Whether you’re preparing a family dinner, hosting a party, or just craving something indulgent, this recipe delivers hearty flavor and a satisfying cheesy center in every bite.

Why You’ll Love Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs

• Cheese-Stuffed Surprise: Melty mozzarella inside every meatball.
• Bold, Homemade Flavor: Packed with Italian herbs, spices, and a thick tomato sauce.
• Versatile: Serve it over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes—or enjoy them on their own.
• Easy Prep: All ingredients are pantry-friendly and simple to work with.
• Great for Entertaining: Ideal for brunches, buffets, or dinner parties.

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• 2 pounds of Ground Sirloin
• 1 large sweet onion – chopped
• 1 Tablespoon of minced Garlic
• 1 cup of Bread Crumbs (or crushed crackers – Ritz or Saltines)
• 1/2 cup of Ketchup
• 1 Tablespoon of Worcestershire Sauce
• 1 Egg
• 1 Tablespoon of Italian Seasoning
• 1 Tablespoon of Sweet Basil
• 1 teaspoon of Ground Oregano
• 1/3 cup of Brown Sugar
• 1 teaspoon of Garlic Salt
• 1 teaspoon of Seasoned Salt
• 1 teaspoon of Seasoned Pepper

Sauce:

• 1 – 24 ounce can of Tomato sauce
• 1 Tablespoon of Italian Seasoning
• 1 Tablespoon of Sweet Basil
• 1 teaspoon of Ground Oregano
• 2 Tablespoons of Brown Sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon of minced Garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon of Garlic Salt
• Coarse Ground black pepper – to taste

Directions

1. Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Generously butter the bottom and sides of a 9×13-inch baking dish and place it near your work area.
2. Prepare Meatball Mixture
   In a large mixing bowl, add the ground sirloin, chopped sweet onion, minced garlic, bread crumbs (or crushed crackers), ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, egg, Italian seasoning, sweet basil, ground oregano, brown sugar, garlic salt, seasoned salt, and seasoned pepper.
3. Mix the Meatball Ingredients
   Using clean hands, thoroughly combine the mixture until all ingredients are evenly distributed. The consistency should be firm enough to hold shape.
4. Form the Meatballs
   Roll the mixture into uniform 2-inch meatballs. Make sure they’re packed tightly and hold their shape. Place each meatball evenly spaced in the buttered baking dish.
5. Prepare the Sauce
   In a separate bowl, mix the tomato sauce with Italian seasoning, sweet basil, ground oregano, brown sugar, minced garlic, garlic salt, and a few dashes of coarse ground black pepper. Stir until fully blended.
6. Add Sauce and Bake
   Pour the prepared tomato sauce evenly over the meatballs in the baking dish, ensuring each one is well-coated.
7. Bake Until Golden
   Place the dish in the oven and bake uncovered for 45 minutes to 1 hour. Turn the meatballs halfway through baking to ensure even browning. The sauce should be thick and rich, and the meatballs should appear golden and slightly crispy on the edges.
8. Serve and Enjoy
   Once done, remove from the oven. Serve hot over rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or enjoy as-is with a side salad or bread.

Pro Tips and Variations

• Make It Cheesy: For extra cheese pull, insert a cube of mozzarella inside each meatball before baking.
• Cracker Swap: Use crushed Ritz or Saltines for a buttery texture if you’re out of breadcrumbs.
• Double the Batch: These freeze well—make a double batch and save half for later.
• Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy twist.

Serving Suggestions

• Over spaghetti or penne pasta
• With creamy mashed potatoes
• With garlic bread and a side Caesar salad
• As meatball sliders on toasted rolls

Storage/Reheating

Storage:
Place leftover meatballs in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.

Freezing:
Cool completely, then freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating:
Reheat in a covered baking dish at 350°F for 20 minutes or microwave individual portions until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead?
Yes, though beef provides a richer flavor. If using poultry, reduce baking time slightly and ensure internal temp reaches 165°F.

What size mozzarella should I use for stuffing?
Use ½-inch cubes of fresh mozzarella or string cheese cut into chunks.

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the meatballs and refrigerate (covered) up to 24 hours before baking.

Conclusion

Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs bring a classic comfort food to a whole new level. With bold seasoning, melty cheese centers, and a hearty tomato sauce, they’re a hit every time. Simple enough for a weeknight, yet impressive enough for guests—add this to your go-to recipe list.

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