Cheesy Italian Meatballs
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with these Cheesy Italian Meatballs, a savory and satisfying dish that brings together bold Italian flavors and gooey, melted mozzarella at its core. This recipe features a flavorful blend of ground beef and Italian sausage, enhanced by aromatic garlic, fresh parsley, and a touch of Parmesan cheese. Each meatball is stuffed with a cube of mozzarella, creating a deliciously cheesy surprise in every bite. After being browned to perfection, the meatballs are simmered in a rich marinara sauce, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Ready in just under an hour, this family-friendly recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Serve these irresistible meatballs over spaghetti, alongside crusty garlic bread, or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Keywords: Cheesy Italian Meatballs, mozzarella-stuffed meatballs, marinara sauce recipe, easy Italian meatballs, comfort food.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
- 0.5 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
- 4 oz Mozzarella cheese (cut into small cubes, about 1/2 inch)
- 0.5 cup Breadcrumbs (plain or Italian-style)
- 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 1 large Egg
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 2 tbsp Fresh parsley (chopped)
- 1 tsp Dried oregano
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper
- 2 cups Marinara sauce
- 2 tbsp Olive oil (for browning the meatballs)
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, Italian sausage, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently with your hands until all the ingredients are evenly combined, being careful not to overmix.
Take about 2 tablespoons of the meat mixture and shape it into a ball. Make an indentation in the center with your thumb and insert a cube of mozzarella cheese. Seal the meat around the cheese, ensuring it's fully enclosed, and roll it into a smooth meatball. Repeat with the remaining mixture.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the meatballs in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Brown the meatballs on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. You may need to do this in batches. Transfer the browned meatballs to a plate and set aside.
In the same skillet, pour in the marinara sauce and bring it to a gentle simmer. Carefully add the meatballs to the sauce, ensuring they are partially submerged. Cover the skillet with a lid and simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).
Serve the cheesy Italian meatballs hot, topped with additional grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley if desired. They pair perfectly with spaghetti, garlic bread, or a simple green salad.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3120 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 232.3 g | 298% | |
| Saturated Fat | 87.1 g | 435% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 829 mg | 276% | |
| Sodium | 7354 mg | 320% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 68.5 g | 25% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 6.8 g | 24% | |
| Total Sugars | 16.0 g | ||
| Protein | 177.8 g | 356% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.7 mcg | 13% | |
| Calcium | 1706 mg | 131% | |
| Iron | 15.5 mg | 86% | |
| Potassium | 2033 mg | 43% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
