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Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs in Marinara Sauce

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Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs in Marinara Sauce are savory ground beef meatballs with a melty cheese center, simmered in a flavorful homemade marinara sauce. Perfect over pasta, in subs, or as a hearty appetizer.

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 12–16 cubes mozzarella cheese (low-moisture)
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 cup bread crumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil (divided)
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • Fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a saucepan. Sauté chopped onions until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook briefly.
  2. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Simmer on low for 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  3. In a bowl, mix ground beef, bread crumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until just combined.
  4. Take a small portion of meat mixture, flatten slightly, place a cube of mozzarella in the center, and roll into a ball, sealing the cheese inside. Repeat.
  5. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet. Brown the meatballs on all sides until golden. They don’t need to be fully cooked.
  6. Transfer meatballs to the marinara sauce. Cover and simmer for 20–25 minutes until meatballs are cooked through and cheese is melted.
  7. Garnish with chopped basil or parsley and additional Parmesan. Serve hot.

Notes

  • Seal meatballs tightly to prevent cheese from leaking during cooking.
  • Use a blend of ground beef and pork for richer flavor.
  • Bake meatballs at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes as an alternative to pan-frying.
  • Store leftovers in fridge or freeze for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://tastyera.com/cheese-stuffed-meatballs-in-marinara-sauce/