Tender Cheese-Stuffed Baked Meatballs with Marinara Recipe
These tender cheese-stuffed baked meatballs are packed with flavor from a blend of ground beef and aromatic spices, finished with melted mozzarella and Parmesan in a rich marinara sauce. Perfect for a comforting family meal, they are first seared for a golden crust, then baked to juicy perfection with a cheesy surprise inside.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Meatball Mixture
- 2 lbs ground beef (80/20)
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 2 tsp Kosher salt
- ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
Cheese Filling and Topping
- 6 oz fresh mozzarella (cut into ½” cubes)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan (plus more for serving)
Other Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp neutral oil (grapeseed, avocado, canola, or vegetable oil)
- 32 oz marinara sauce
- Fresh basil leaves (for serving)
Instructions
- Make the meatball mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 large eggs. Add 2 lbs ground beef, ½ cup breadcrumbs, 2 tsp dried oregano, 2 tsp garlic powder, 2 tsp onion powder, 2 tsp Kosher salt, and ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper. Gently mix using your hands, taking care not to overwork the meat, until everything is evenly combined.
- Form the meatballs: Use a large cookie scoop or your hands to portion the meat mixture into 10-12 equal pieces, about 2 oz each. Flatten each portion into a disc, place 2-3 cubes of fresh mozzarella in the center, then carefully mold the beef around the cheese to fully encase it. Roll into smooth, uniform meatballs and set aside.
- Preheat and sear: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 Tbsp neutral oil. Place the meatballs in the skillet and sear for 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown on all sides.
- Add marinara and cheese: Carefully flip the meatballs, pour 32 oz marinara sauce over them (beware of splattering), then sprinkle 1 cup shredded mozzarella and ¼ cup grated Parmesan evenly over the top.
- Bake the meatballs: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the cheese inside and out is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh basil leaves and additional grated Parmesan if desired. Serve hot with your favorite pasta, crusty bread, or a salad.
Notes
- Do not overmix the meat mixture to keep meatballs tender.
- Make sure to fully seal the mozzarella cubes inside to avoid cheese leaking during cooking.
- Use a skillet that is oven-safe to go from stovetop to oven easily.
- To save time, use pre-shredded cheese but fresh mozzarella cubes give the best texture inside.
- Fresh basil adds a lovely aromatic finish, but you can omit or substitute with parsley if preferred.
