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Irresistible Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs with 3 Cheesy Layers

mozzarella stuffed meatballs
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Delicious mozzarella-stuffed meatballs with a spinach and ricotta filling, simmered in marinara sauce and topped with melted cheese.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (85/15)
  • 1/2 lb ground pork (or use all beef)
  • 1/2 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (plus more for topping)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (for searing)
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped (or 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed & squeezed dry)
  • 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella (inside the meatballs)
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • Optional: pinch of crushed red pepper
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella (for topping)
  • Extra chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Make the spinach filling: In a bowl, mix chopped spinach, ricotta, mozzarella, salt, pepper (and red pepper if using). Set aside.
  2. Mix the meatball base: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan, garlic, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, onion powder, and parsley. Mix just until combined (don’t overwork).
  3. Stuff the meatballs: Scoop about 2 tablespoons of meat mixture and flatten in your palm. Add 1 teaspoon of spinach filling to the center, then wrap the meat around it and roll into a ball. Repeat (makes ~12 large meatballs).
  4. Sear: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear meatballs 2–3 minutes per side until browned (they don’t need to be cooked through yet).
  5. Simmer in sauce: Reduce heat to medium. Pour marinara into the skillet around the meatballs. Cover and simmer 8–10 minutes.
  6. Add cheese & melt: Sprinkle mozzarella over each meatball. Broil 1–3 minutes (or cover 3–5 minutes) until cheese is melted and bubbly.
  7. Finish: Top with chopped parsley. Serve hot over pasta, polenta, or with crusty bread (or enjoy as-is for a lower-carb option).

Notes

  • Use fresh spinach for best texture.
  • Don’t overmix the meatball mixture to keep them tender.
  • Broil for a golden cheese topping.

Nutrition

Keywords: mozzarella stuffed meatballs, cheesy meatballs in marinara, baked stuffed meatballs, italian meatballs recipe, skillet meatballs dinner, low carb meatballs

Find it online: https://mealcooked.com/mozzarella-stuffed-meatballs-recipe/