Baked Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs

Ingredients:

1 pound ground chicken, ground turkey, or lean ground beef

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 raw egg, beaten

1/3 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian style)

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 tablespoon chopped parsley (fresh or dried)

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing or drizzling)

4–6 mozzarella cheese sticks, cut into 1-inch pieces (or small fresh mozzarella balls)

1 ½ cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Make the Meatball Mixture:
   In a large bowl, combine ground meat, minced garlic, beaten egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until well combined (do not overmix).
3. Stuff the Meatballs:
   Take about 2 tablespoons of the meat mixture and flatten it slightly in your hand.
   Place a small piece of mozzarella cheese in the center, then wrap the meat around it, rolling it into a smooth ball. Repeat with the rest of the mixture.
4. Arrange and Bake:
   Place the stuffed meatballs on the prepared baking sheet. Brush lightly with olive oil.
   Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
5. Add the Sauce:
   Pour marinara sauce into an oven-safe dish. Add the baked meatballs and spoon some sauce over each one.
   Return to the oven and bake for another 5–7 minutes, or until the cheese inside is fully melted.
6. Serve:
   Serve hot with extra Parmesan, fresh basil, or alongside pasta, rice, or a green salad. Tips:

You can use mini mozzarella balls (“bocconcini”) for convenience.

For extra crispiness, broil the meatballs for 2–3 minutes at the end.

These also work great for meal prep or party appetizers!