Get ready to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience with these mind-blowing Spicy Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs! Imagine biting into a perfectly seasoned meatball and discovering a molten core of gooey, stretchy mozzarella that oozes out with every cut. This Italian-inspired dish is not just a meal; it's a flavor explosion that will have your family and friends begging for seconds, guaranteed to become the star of your dinner table!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, cubed
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly using your hands until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Take small portions of the meat mixture and flatten them into thin patties in your palm. Place a cube of mozzarella cheese in the center of each patty.
- Carefully fold the meat mixture around the cheese cube, sealing it completely and rolling into a smooth meatball. Ensure no cheese is exposed to prevent leaking during cooking.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). If preferred, you can also prepare these in a large skillet with some olive oil.
- Place the prepared meatballs on a lined baking sheet, leaving some space between each meatball to allow even cooking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, turning once halfway through to ensure even browning. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C) for safe consumption.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. This allows the cheese inside to set and prevents immediate burning when eating.
- Serve hot with marinara sauce, over pasta, or as an appetizer. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired.
Tips
- Keep your hands slightly wet when forming meatballs to prevent the mixture from sticking.
- Freeze the mozzarella cubes for 10 minutes before stuffing to help them maintain their shape during cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the perfect internal temperature and food safety.
- For extra crispiness, consider broiling the meatballs for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking.
- If the cheese starts leaking, don't panic! Seal the meatballs more carefully next time by ensuring no cheese touches the edges.
- Let the meatballs rest after cooking to allow the cheese to set and prevent immediate burning when eating.
- Experiment with different cheese types or add a pinch of garlic powder for additional flavor complexity.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 100mg
