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Savory Baked Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs Easy Herb Recipe for Dinner

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These savory baked mozzarella stuffed meatballs combine juicy ground beef with fresh herbs and a gooey mozzarella center, baked to perfection for a comforting and easy dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450 g) ground beef (80/20 preferred, ground turkey works too)
  • 1/2 cup (50 g) fresh breadcrumbs or panko
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) whole milk
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup (15 g) fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped (or less dried oregano)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup (120 g) mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In a small bowl, combine chopped parsley, basil, oregano, dried Italian seasoning (if using), and red pepper flakes. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, fresh breadcrumbs, milk, egg, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
  4. Add the fresh herb mixture to the meat blend and fold in evenly.
  5. Scoop about 2 tablespoons (30 g) of the mixture, flatten slightly, place a cube of mozzarella in the center, then fold the meat around the cheese and roll into a 1.5 inch (4 cm) diameter ball.
  6. Place meatballs evenly spaced on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
  7. Drizzle or brush olive oil over the meatballs to keep them moist and encourage browning.
  8. Bake for 18-22 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through. Meatballs are done when golden brown and internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
  9. Let meatballs rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

Notes

To prevent mozzarella leakage, seal meat tightly around cheese cubes and pat mozzarella dry if too wet. For crispier exteriors, broil for last 1-2 minutes watching carefully. Avoid overmixing meat to keep meatballs tender. Gluten-free option: substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour. Dairy-free option: use vegan mozzarella alternative.

Nutrition

Keywords: mozzarella stuffed meatballs, baked meatballs, herb meatballs, easy dinner, comfort food, ground beef recipe, cheesy meatballs

Find it online: https://yumnode.com/savory-baked-mozzarella-stuffed-meatballs-easy-herb-recipe-for-dinner/