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Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or non-stick spray
- Small bowl (for mozzarella stuffing)
- Knife and cutting board
- Spoon or small scoop (for forming meatballs)
- Baking dish or serving plate
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Make the Meatball Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef (and pork if using), breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add in the shredded mozzarella cheese and mix everything together using your hands or a spoon until well combined. The mozzarella in the mixture will help keep the meatballs tender and juicy.
3. Form the Meatballs
Scoop out about 1.5-2 tablespoons of the meatball mixture and flatten it slightly in the palm of your hand. Place a small cube of fresh mozzarella cheese (about 1 tablespoon) in the center of the flattened meatball. Gently fold the edges of the meat around the cheese and roll it into a ball. Repeat this process until all the meatballs are formed.
4. Bake the Meatballs
Place the stuffed meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one. Bake them in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 160°F/71°C). The mozzarella inside the meatballs will melt, creating a gooey, cheesy center.
5. Serve and Enjoy
Once baked, remove the meatballs from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. If you like, warm some marinara sauce in a small saucepan and drizzle it over the meatballs, or serve the sauce on the side for dipping. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for an added burst of flavor and color.
Serve these Baked Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs over spaghetti, in a sub roll for a meatball sandwich, or with a side of garlic bread. The possibilities are endless!
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