Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1 egg
1 small onion, finely diced
4 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup finely chopped parsley
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/4 cup parmesan cheese
4 oz fresh mozzarella, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1–2 tbsp olive oil
2 cups marinara sauce
1/2 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp salt
Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cut mozzarella into 1/2-inch cubes and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, egg, onion, garlic, parsley, panko breadcrumbs, parmesan, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
- Take about 2 tbsp of meat mixture, flatten in your palm, place a mozzarella cube in the center, and wrap the meat around it to seal completely. Repeat with remaining mixture and cheese.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown meatballs on all sides, about 5–6 minutes total.
- Pour marinara sauce into the skillet, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10–15 minutes until meatballs are cooked through and cheese is melted inside.
- Serve hot, garnished with parsley or extra parmesan if desired.
Notes
Ensure the meat fully seals around the cheese to prevent leakage.
For extra flavor, replace half the beef with Italian sausage.
Bake instead of pan-frying at 400°F (200°C) for 18–20 minutes, then simmer in sauce.
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Halal
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 meatballs with sauce
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
