Description
These flavorful Meatballs with Cheese and Marinara Sauce combine juicy ground beef meatballs stuffed and topped with a blend of Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, seasoned with herbs and spices, and simmered in a rich marinara sauce. Perfect as a main dish for dinner or a hearty appetizer, they offer a comforting Italian-inspired meal that’s easy to prepare and sure to satisfy cheese lovers.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatball Mixture
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1/4 tsp chili flakes (optional)
Cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Sauce
- 1 cup marinara sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the meatball mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef with the egg, salt, black pepper, minced garlic, chopped parsley, thyme, and chili flakes if using. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Form meatballs: Take a portion of the meat mixture and shape it into a ball about the size of a golf ball. Flatten slightly and place a small amount of grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheese in the center, then carefully close and reshape the meatball to fully encase the cheese inside. Repeat until all meat mixture and cheese are used.
- Cook the meatballs: In a large skillet over medium heat, sear the meatballs on all sides until browned, about 5-7 minutes. This will lock in the juices and start the cooking process.
- Simmer in marinara sauce: Pour the marinara sauce over the browned meatballs in the skillet. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through and the cheese inside has melted.
- Serve: Once cooked, carefully transfer the meatballs to a serving dish, spoon some of the marinara sauce over them, and garnish with additional parsley if desired. Serve hot with pasta, bread, or a side salad.
Notes
- For even juicier meatballs, soak bread crumbs in milk and add to the meat mixture before forming balls.
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Adjust chili flakes to your preferred spice level or omit for a milder taste.
- Make sure to seal the cheese inside the meatballs well to prevent it from leaking out during cooking.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
Keywords: meatballs, cheese stuffed meatballs, marinara sauce, Italian recipe, ground beef meatballs, Parmesan, mozzarella, easy dinner, comfort food