Mozzarella & Parmesan Stuffed Meatballs
Delight in a mouthwatering fusion of tender, seasoned meat and gooey cheese with these Mozzarella & Parmesan Stuffed Meatballs. A perfect choice for a comforting dinner or a savory snack, these meatballs are made from succulent minced mutton, filled with a blend of rich mozzarella and parmesan cheeses, and topped with a zesty homemade tomato sauce. Baked to golden perfection, they are a cheesy, spicy, and hearty treat that pairs wonderfully with rice, pasta, or a simple side salad. Perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or when you’re craving something truly indulgent.
Ingredients for Mozzarella & Parmesan Stuffed Meatballs
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Mutton (minced) | 200 grams |
| Parmesan cheese (grated) | 1/2 cup |
| Mozzarella cheese (cubed) | 1/2 cup |
| Onion (finely chopped) | 1 medium |
| Black pepper powder | 2 teaspoons |
| Green chillies (chopped) | 2 |
| Coriander leaves (chopped) | 1/4 cup |
| Parsley leaves (chopped) | 3/4 cup |
| Ginger garlic paste | 1 teaspoon |
| Extra virgin olive oil | As required |
| Salt | To taste |
Ingredients for Tomato Sauce
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Homemade tomato puree | 2 cups |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 1 teaspoon |
| Mixed herbs (dried) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Basil leaves (dried) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Dried oregano | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Black pepper powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Rosemary | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
Preparation Time: 10 Minutes
Cooking Time: 40 Minutes
Total Time: 50 Minutes
Servings: 2
Cuisine: Italian
Course: Dinner
Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Instructions for Mozzarella & Parmesan Stuffed Meatballs
Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the minced mutton with salt, black pepper powder, finely chopped onion, green chilies, coriander leaves, parsley leaves, ginger garlic paste, and a few drops of extra virgin olive oil.
- Mix everything thoroughly until all the ingredients are well incorporated.
- Shape the mixture into small meatballs, ensuring that each meatball is compact and smooth.
- Cut mozzarella cheese into small cubes and place one cube of mozzarella along with a teaspoon of grated parmesan cheese inside each meatball. Seal the meatball around the cheese to form a perfect round shape.
- Refrigerate the meatballs for at least an hour to allow them to firm up.
Step 2: Prepare the Tomato Sauce
- Begin by making your homemade tomato puree. Score the bottom of tomatoes with a cross and boil them until the skins start to peel off. Once done, peel away the skins and blend the tomatoes to form a smooth puree.
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat, then add all the tomato sauce ingredients (tomato puree, mixed herbs, basil leaves, oregano, black pepper, rosemary, and salt).
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil and let it simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.
Step 3: Preheat the Oven and Prepare for Baking
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F) and let it heat for about 15 minutes before baking.
- Pour half of the prepared tomato sauce into a baking tray and spread it evenly across the bottom.
Step 4: Bake the Meatballs
- Place the refrigerated meatballs one by one onto the tray, gently placing them on top of the sauce.
- Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 15 minutes.
- After 15 minutes, take the tray out and carefully flip the meatballs to the other side. Pour the remaining tomato sauce over them.
- Sprinkle some additional mozzarella cubes and grated parmesan cheese on top of each meatball.
- Return the tray to the oven and bake for another 20-25 minutes until the meatballs are cooked through and golden brown.
Step 5: Final Touches
- After approximately 20 minutes, check if the meatballs are fully cooked inside. If they are not, continue baking for another 5 minutes.
- Once the meatballs are cooked and bubbling with cheese, remove the tray from the oven and let them cool for a couple of minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions
These Mozzarella & Parmesan Stuffed Meatballs can be served in several delicious ways. Enjoy them with:
- Rice: Serve the meatballs over a bed of fragrant steamed rice for a satisfying meal.
- Pasta: Pair with Penne Pasta in Marinara Sauce or spaghetti for an indulgent Italian-inspired dinner.
- Bread: Serve alongside crusty garlic bread for dipping in the flavorful sauce.
Tips and Variations
- Cheese Variations: You can experiment with other cheeses like cheddar or provolone if you prefer different flavors.
- Spice Levels: Adjust the amount of green chilies according to your desired spice level.
- Sauce Addition: For a creamier twist, you can stir in a little cream or ricotta cheese into the tomato sauce before baking the meatballs.
These Mozzarella & Parmesan Stuffed Meatballs are an easy yet impressive dish that will surely become a family favorite. With a delicious blend of flavors and textures, they offer a rich, cheesy experience that pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, from simple salads to your favorite pastas. Enjoy this Italian-inspired recipe on a cozy evening or when entertaining guests, and let the flavors shine through every bite!
