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Comforting Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs Recipe with Easy Homemade Marinara Sauce

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These comforting cheese-stuffed meatballs in rich marinara sauce are juicy, flavorful, and perfect for cozy dinners. The gooey mozzarella center paired with a slow-simmered herb-infused marinara makes this recipe a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450 g) ground beef (80/20 preferred)
  • 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese (for stuffing; fresh mozzarella balls work well too)
  • 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup (60 g) breadcrumbs (plain or Italian seasoned)
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) milk
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 can (28 ounces / 800 g) crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, grated Parmesan, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, minced garlic, parsley, salt, black pepper, and oregano. Mix gently until just combined.
  2. Take a golf-ball-sized portion of the meat mixture (about 2 tablespoons). Flatten it slightly, place a teaspoon of shredded mozzarella in the center, then wrap the meat around the cheese to form a smooth ball. Place on a baking sheet or plate.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced garlic and red pepper flakes if using. Sauté until fragrant and garlic is golden, about 1-2 minutes.
  4. Add crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer. Lower heat and cook uncovered for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Gently place the stuffed meatballs into the simmering marinara sauce. Cover and cook over low heat for 18-20 minutes, turning once halfway through.
  6. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve warm with crusty bread, spaghetti, or mashed potatoes.

Notes

Seal the cheese well inside the meatballs to prevent leakage. Avoid overmixing the meat to keep meatballs tender. Use a hot pan to sauté garlic but do not burn it. Simmer meatballs gently in sauce to maintain shape and moisture. If sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water or broth. Test one meatball first to adjust seasoning if needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheese-stuffed meatballs, marinara sauce, comfort food, easy meatballs, homemade sauce, mozzarella meatballs, family dinner

Find it online: https://avabake.com/comforting-cheese-stuffed-meatballs-recipe-easy-homemade-marinara-sauce/