Description
Juicy meatballs stuffed with melted mozzarella cheese, baked and simmered in a rich tomato sauce for a comforting and flavorful meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground chicken
- 3/4 cup plain breadcrumbs
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, cubed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F) and prepare a baking sheet.
- Mix beef, chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, milk, parsley, garlic, onion powder, seasoning, salt, pepper, and paprika until combined.
- Form portions, insert a cube of mozzarella, and roll into balls.
- Place on baking sheet and bake for 12–15 minutes until lightly browned.
- In a pan, heat olive oil and cook onion until soft, then add garlic.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, herbs, salt, pepper, and sugar, then simmer.
- Add baked meatballs to the sauce and simmer for 10–12 minutes until fully cooked.
- Garnish with parsley and Parmesan before serving.
Notes
- Seal cheese well inside meatballs to prevent leaking.
- Use all beef or turkey if preferred.
- Add chili flakes for extra heat.
- Serve with pasta, rice, or bread.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 meatballs
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
