Mozzarella-Stuffed Italian Meatballs

Total Time

Prep: 40 min. Bake: 25 min.

Makes

8 servings

Updated: Dec. 20, 2022
Three kinds of meat infuse these meatballs with authentic, Italian flavor. The surprise of fresh mozzarella cheese inside is always a hit.—Cyndy Gerken, Naples, Florida

Ingredients

  • 2 eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 large onions, finely chopped
  • 2/3 cup seasoned bread crumbs
  • 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 3 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
  • 2 tablespoons minced fresh basil
  • 1 tablespoon minced fresh oregano
  • 8 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean)
  • 1/2 pound ground pork
  • 1/2 pound ground veal
  • 16 fresh mozzarella cheese balls, drained and patted dry
  • Hot cooked spaghetti
  • Marinara or spaghetti sauce, warmed

Directions

  1. In a large bowl, combine eggs and Worcestershire sauce. Add the onions, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, basil, oregano, garlic, salt, pepper and red pepper flakes. Crumble the beef, pork and veal over mixture; mix well.
  2. Divide into 16 portions. Shape each portion around a mozzarella ball.
  3. Place meatballs on a greased rack in a shallow baking pan. Bake at 400° for 25-30 minutes or until a thermometer reads 160°. Drain on paper towels.
  4. Serve with spaghetti or marinara sauce.

Nutrition Facts

2 meatballs: 281 calories, 14g fat (6g saturated fat), 131mg cholesterol, 418mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 26g protein.