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## **Ingredients for Baked Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs**
To make these delicious meatballs, you’ll need the following ingredients:
### **For the Meatballs:**
– **1 lb ground beef** (or a mixture of ground beef and pork for extra flavor)
– **1/2 cup breadcrumbs** (preferably Italian-style)
– **1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese**
– **1 egg**
– **2 cloves garlic**, minced
– **2 tablespoons fresh parsley**, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried parsley)
– **1 teaspoon dried oregano**
– **1 teaspoon salt**
– **1/2 teaspoon black pepper**
– **1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes** (optional, for a little heat)
– **1 tablespoon olive oil** (for greasing the baking sheet)
### **For the Cheese Filling:**
– **1 cup fresh mozzarella cheese**, cut into small cubes (about 1/2-inch cubes)
### **For the Sauce:**
– **2 cups marinara sauce** (store-bought or homemade)
– **1 tablespoon olive oil** (for sautéing the sauce, optional)
### **Optional Garnishes:**
– **Fresh basil or parsley**, chopped (for garnish)
– **Extra Parmesan cheese**, grated (for topping)
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## **Instructions: How to Make Baked Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs**
### **Step 1: Preheat the Oven**
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil. This will help prevent the meatballs from sticking and make cleanup easier.
### **Step 2: Prepare the Meatball Mixture**
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef (or beef-pork mixture), breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Use your hands or a spoon to mix the ingredients until well combined. Be careful not to overwork the meat mixture, as this can result in tough meatballs.
### **Step 3: Stuff the Meatballs with Mozzarella**
Take about 2 tablespoons of the meat mixture and flatten it into a small patty in the palm of your hand. Place a cube of mozzarella cheese in the center and gently fold the meat around the cheese to form a ball. Make sure the cheese is completely enclosed in the meat, or it may leak out during cooking. Repeat this process with the remaining meat mixture and mozzarella cubes.
### **Step 4: Bake the Meatballs**
Place the stuffed meatballs onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are golden brown and cooked through. You can check for doneness by cutting one of the meatballs in half to ensure it is no longer pink inside. If you have a meat thermometer, the internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C).
### **Step 5: Prepare the Sauce**
While the meatballs are baking, heat the marinara sauce in a small saucepan over medium heat. If desired, add a tablespoon of olive oil for extra richness. Bring the sauce to a simmer, and let it cook for a few minutes while the meatballs finish baking.
### **Step 6: Assemble the Dish**
Once the meatballs are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Spoon some marinara sauce onto a plate or into a serving dish. Arrange the meatballs on top of the sauce, and drizzle additional sauce over the meatballs. You can also serve the sauce on the side for dipping.
### **Step 7: Garnish and Serve**
Sprinkle the meatballs with freshly chopped basil or parsley, and top with extra grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor. Serve immediately, and enjoy!
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