Recipe: Pizza Meatballs
Description: Dive into the savory delight of Pizza Meatballs, a simple yet satisfying recipe from “Taste of Home” that promises to tantalize your taste buds. Each succulent meatball is generously stuffed with a gooey cube of mozzarella cheese, adding a delightful burst of flavor with every bite. Perfect for busy weeknights or potluck gatherings, these meatballs are sure to be a hit, especially with kids who can’t resist their cheesy goodness. To make ahead, simply brown them the day before and slow-cook them in pizza sauce for a rich and indulgent meal.
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 4 dozen
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ground beef | 2 lbs |
| Milk | 2 tbsp |
| Pepper | 1 tsp |
| Mozzarella cheese | 48 cubes (1/2 inch each) |
| Flour | 1/4 cup |
| Pizza sauce | 2 cups |
| Oil | For cooking |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 1317.2
- Fat: 70.6g
- Saturated Fat: 26.6g
- Cholesterol: 220.1mg
- Sodium: 2327.3mg
- Carbohydrates: 91.7g
- Fiber: 11.7g
- Sugar: 12.3g
- Protein: 75.5g
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Meatball Mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, milk, pepper, and flour. Mix gently until all ingredients are well incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough meatballs.
-
Shape the Meatballs:
- Take portions of the meat mixture and shape them into 48 small balls, ensuring they are evenly sized for consistent cooking.
-
Stuff with Mozzarella:
- Cut the mozzarella cheese into 48 cubes, each measuring approximately 1/2 inch. Press one cube into the center of each meatball, ensuring it is fully covered by the meat mixture to prevent any cheese leakage during cooking.
-
Coat in Flour:
- Roll each meatball lightly in flour, coating them evenly. This will help to create a crispy outer layer when they are cooked.
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Cook the Meatballs:
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the meatballs in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the skillet. Cook until browned on all sides, rotating them as needed for even browning. Once browned, remove the meatballs from the skillet and drain any excess oil.
-
Simmer in Pizza Sauce:
- In the same skillet, pour in the pizza sauce, stirring to combine with any remaining oil and meat drippings. Bring the sauce to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Return the meatballs to the skillet, ensuring they are fully submerged in the sauce. Cover the skillet and simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and no longer pink in the center.
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Serve and Enjoy:
- Once cooked, serve the pizza meatballs hot, garnished with additional grated cheese and fresh herbs if desired. These flavorful meatballs pair perfectly with a side of pasta, garlic bread, or a crisp green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
Indulge in the irresistible combination of juicy meatballs oozing with melted mozzarella cheese, bathed in a rich and savory pizza sauce. Whether enjoyed as a hearty weeknight dinner or shared at a gathering with family and friends, these Pizza Meatballs are guaranteed to be devoured with gusto by everyone at the table. So why wait? Gather your ingredients and get ready to savor the deliciousness of homemade pizza in every bite! 🍕🍽️
