Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with our mouthwatering Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs. Tender meatballs bursting with gooey cheese, perfect for any occasion.

Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 5-6

Ingredients:

MEATBALLS

• 1/4 cup plain breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup whole milk
• 1 pound 85/15 ground beef
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons parsley, finely chopped
• 1/4 to 1/3 cup parmesan, grated
• 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon olive oil, for coating the pan
• 8-ounce block mozzarella, cut into small cubes

VODKA SAUCE

• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh garlic finely minced
• 2/3 cup tomato paste
• 1 1/3 cup heavy cream
• 2 teaspoons red pepper flakes, or to taste
• 2 teaspoons dried basil
• salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan, more to taste
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Instructions

PREP THE MEATBALLS

1. To a small bowl, add the breadcrumbs and milk. Allow it to soak for 5 minutes.
2. To a medium bowl, add the soaked breadcrumbs, ground beef, garlic, egg, parsley, parmesan, salt, Italian seasoning, paprika, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and onion powder. Mix together to combine well.
3. Shape the meatballs into round small balls, about 3 tablespoons of meat each.
4. Push a small cube of mozzarella into the center of each meatball and roll the meatball to seal it up tightly. Repeat with the rest to stuff them.

MAKE THE VODKA SAUCE

1. In a saucepan, add the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and tomato paste and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes. The tomato paste will darken in color from a bright red to reddish brown. This process removes acidity from the tomato paste.
2. Add heavy cream and mix until incorporated. Simmer for about 2 to 3 minutes.
3. Add the red pepper flakes, dried basil, salt, and black pepper to taste. Mix again.
4. Add the grated parmesan, and butter. Mix until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
5. Take off the heat and set aside.

COOK THE MEATBALLS

1. Heat a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil to the pan.
2. Place the meatballs on the pan, spacing them apart. Allow one side to sear, about 2 to 3 minutes, then rotate. Once the other side is browned too, drop the heat to low and allow it to cook through until done, 165 degrees in the center.
3. Transfer the meatballs to the vodka sauce and serve warm to enjoy!