Tender Cheese-Stuffed Baked Meatballs Recipe
These tender cheese-stuffed baked meatballs feature ground beef seasoned with oregano, garlic, and onion powders, filled with fresh mozzarella cubes, pan-seared to golden perfection, and baked in marinara sauce topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Finished with fresh basil leaves, they make a comforting and satisfying meal perfect for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 10-12 meatballs (serves 4-6)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
- 2 lbs ground beef (80/20)
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 2 tsp Kosher salt
- ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 6 oz fresh mozzarella, cut into ½” cubes
For the Sauce and Topping
- 2 Tbsp neutral oil (grapeseed, avocado, canola, or vegetable oil)
- 32 oz marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- Fresh basil leaves for serving
Instructions
- Make the meatball mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs thoroughly. Add the ground beef, breadcrumbs, dried oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, Kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Use your hands to gently mix everything together, taking care not to overwork the meat, until the mixture is well combined.
- Form the meatballs: Use a large cookie scoop or spoon to divide the mixture into 10-12 equal portions, approximately 2 oz each. Flatten each portion into a disc, place 2-3 cubes of fresh mozzarella in the center, then carefully mold the ground beef around the cheese to completely seal it inside. Roll the formed meatballs into smooth, uniform spheres and set aside.
- Preheat the oven and pan sear: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 Tbsp of neutral oil. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the meatballs and sear for 4-5 minutes until golden brown on the bottom. Use tongs to flip the meatballs gently, then pour the marinara sauce over them, being cautious of any splatter.
- Bake the meatballs: Sprinkle 1 cup shredded mozzarella and ¼ cup grated Parmesan evenly over the meatballs and marinara sauce in the skillet. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the meatballs are cooked through and the cheese inside and on top is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven and garnish with fresh basil leaves and additional grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve warm as a hearty main dish with your favorite sides.
Notes
- To reheat: Cover the meatballs in a skillet or baking dish with foil and bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 20-25 minutes until warmed through.
- Make ahead: Form the meatballs in advance, then freeze or refrigerate. If frozen uncooked, thaw overnight in the fridge before pan-searing and baking as directed.
