Smoked Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs
Try this Smoked Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs recipe
Try this Smoked Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs recipe
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 1 cup parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 lb pork
- 1 lb beef
- 1 onion; finely chopped
- 3/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
- 2/3 upplain bread crumbs
- 2 eggs; room temperature
- 1/4 cup half and half (all cream or all whole milk works a room temperature
- 6 oz smoked mozzarella regular can be used as well, but i recommend smoked
- fresh parsley and fresh basil for finishing
- Carbohydrate 34.8177470017618 g
- Cholesterol 743.211868232032 mg
- Fat 382.052772421781 g
- Fiber 5.52980181433849 g
- Protein 168.632144981855 g
- Saturated Fat 147.885822846824 g
- Serving Size 1 1 recipe (1313g)
- Sodium 4722.81114446528 mg
- Sugar 29.2879451874233 g
- Trans Fat 22.1325944889082 g
- Calories 4276 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees.
- Drizzle 2-3 tablespoons olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat; add in the onion with a sprinkle of salt, and cook until softened.
- Add in the minced garlic, dried rosemary, basil, thyme, and red pepper flakes; cook for another 30 seconds, or until fragrant, being sure NOT to brown the garlic.
- Transfer to a large bowl and allow to cool.
- In another bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, parsley, and parmesan cheese.
- Add them to the cooled onion mixture; then stir in the ketchup, half and half, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in the meat; start by breaking it up with a fork, then use your hands to combine the mixture until everything is evenly mixed, being careful not to over-mix.
- Use a small scoop, or tablespoon measuring spoon, to scoop out 1 tablespoon size meatball onto a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil; this will make about 60 small meatballs, so you will need 2-3 baking sheets depending on their size.
- Once all of the mixture is scooped, cut the mozzarella into small cubes; small enough to fit inside the scooped meatballs.
- Pick up one meatball and use your finger to poke a hole in the center of the meatball; place the cube of smoked mozzarella on the hole; cover and roll the meatball into a round shape; place the stuffed meatball back onto the baking sheet lined with aluminum foil.
- Bake the meatballs at 400 degrees for 10-15 minutes, or until cooked through.
- Add the meatballs to tomato sauce in a stock pot and cook together for about 20 minutes.
- If you are making these ahead of time, allow the mixture to cool at this point and simply reheat when ready to serve; If using a slow cooker to serve, you can reheat them in the slow cooker over high heat for about an hour, making sure to stir them every so often until heated through, then turn the heat to warm.
- Serve as is, over pasta, or on a bun! Right before serving top the meatballs with chopped fresh basil and/or parsley.
Smoked Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs: A Culinary Adventure
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook delicious and satisfying meals can sometimes feel like a Herculean task. But there's nothing quite like the joy of gathering loved ones around a table filled with the aroma of home-cooked food. This Smoked Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs recipe became a quick favorite in my household, not only for its incredible flavor but also for its relative ease of preparation. It's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a more elaborate weekend gathering, adaptable to various occasions and palates.
The magic lies in the unexpected combination of smoky mozzarella and savory meat. The subtle smokiness of the cheese adds a unique dimension to the classic meatball, creating a complex and unforgettable taste. I’ve experimented with different meat ratios—pork and beef work wonderfully, but feel free to use all beef or even a blend of ground turkey and pork for a leaner option. The process of stuffing each meatball is truly therapeutic; a small act of culinary craftsmanship that connects me to the food and, in turn, to my family.
Preparing the Meatball Mixture
The beauty of this recipe lies in the balance of flavors. The aromatic sautéed onions, garlic, and herbs provide a delicious base, while the breadcrumbs add texture and help to bind the mixture. I prefer using a combination of fresh and dried herbs, aiming for a vibrant and well-rounded flavor profile. The addition of ketchup might seem unusual, but trust me, it adds a touch of sweetness and acidity that perfectly complements the richness of the meat and cheese. The creamy half-and-half (or whole milk) ensures the meatballs stay moist and tender even after baking. Seasoning is crucial, and a good pinch of salt and pepper makes all the difference.
Stuffing and Baking
Once the meatball mixture is prepared, the fun begins! Forming small meatballs and gently stuffing them with the smoked mozzarella is an engaging process, especially if you get the kids involved. Remember, don’t over-mix the meat mixture; just enough to combine all the ingredients is sufficient. Over-mixing can result in dense and tough meatballs. Baking the meatballs until they are cooked through and slightly browned ensures a perfect texture. Then, the final touch; a rich and flavorful tomato sauce.
Serving and Beyond
These meatballs are incredibly versatile. Serve them simply with the tomato sauce, or create more elaborate dishes. They are fantastic over pasta, nestled in a crusty bread roll, or even skewered and served as an appetizer. A sprinkle of fresh parsley and basil adds a burst of freshness and color. Whether you’re serving these for a casual dinner or a special event, these Smoked Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs are sure to impress.
The recipe is easily adaptable to fit your schedule. You can make the meatballs ahead of time and freeze them for a quick weeknight meal. Or bake them, then let them cool and reheat in a slow cooker for effortless entertaining. Whatever your needs, this recipe provides a balance between impressive results and a practical approach to culinary creativity. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and embark on this delicious culinary journey – you won't be disappointed!
Beyond the kitchen, this recipe embodies the spirit of bringing people together. The aroma of these baking meatballs fills the air with warmth and comfort, beckoning everyone to the table, creating memories around shared food and laughter. This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a culinary hug, an expression of love and care, a simple way to say, “I appreciate you.” And in today's fast-paced world, isn’t that the most delicious recipe of all?
