Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs (Print Version)

Juicy beef meatballs with gooey mozzarella centers, simmered in marinara and topped with herbs.

# Ingredients:

→ Meatballs

01 - 450 g ground beef
02 - 1 large egg
03 - 1 small onion, finely diced
04 - 4 garlic cloves, minced
05 - 15 g fresh parsley, finely chopped
06 - 30 g Panko breadcrumbs
07 - 20 g Parmesan cheese, grated
08 - 0.5 teaspoon dried basil
09 - 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano
10 - 0.5 teaspoon salt
11 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
12 - 115 g fresh mozzarella cheese

→ For Cooking and Serving

13 - 15–30 ml olive oil
14 - 480 ml marinara sauce
15 - Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
16 - Additional grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

# Steps:

01 - In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine ground beef, egg, finely diced onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, Panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix by hand until evenly blended.
02 - Cut fresh mozzarella into approximately 1.3 cm cubes to yield 12 pieces. Scoop about 2 tablespoons (approx. 40 g) of meat mixture into your palm, flatten slightly to create an indentation, and place a mozzarella cube in the center. Fold the meat around the cheese and seal completely. Shape into a ball and repeat to form 12 meatballs.
03 - Heat olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add meatballs in batches, ensuring the pan is not overcrowded. Brown meatballs on one side for 2–3 minutes, then gently turn and brown the opposite side for an additional 2–3 minutes.
04 - Once all meatballs are evenly browned, pour marinara sauce into the skillet, ensuring meatballs are well covered. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes. Gently turn the meatballs halfway through to promote even cooking.
05 - After simmering, halve a meatball to confirm it is cooked through; the interior temperature should be at least 71°C and no longer pink, with melted mozzarella at the center.
06 - Serve meatballs and sauce hot over cooked pasta. Garnish generously with freshly chopped parsley and additional grated Parmesan cheese as desired.

# Notes:

01 - For best results, use freshly grated Parmesan and chop parsley just before serving for maximum flavor.

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