Healthy Recipes Healthy Main Dish Recipes Healthy Meat Main Dish Recipes Healthy Meatball Recipes Mozzarella-Stuffed Meatballs These juicy mozzarella-stuffed meatballs are filled with ooey-gooey melted cheese. The simple spice mix combines with fresh herbs to flavor them nicely. These crowd-pleasing meatballs are perfect for potlucks or family gatherings. By Amanda Stanfield Amanda Stanfield Amanda Stanfield is a Test Kitchen assistant in the Dotdash Meredith Food Studios. She completed her undergraduate degree in journalism and strategic communications at Hampton University. After graduation, Amanda worked in the nonprofit sector as a marketing associate for a global nonprofit organization. In 2018, she pivoted into the food industry and began training in fine-dining restaurants around Atlanta. Later she gained her culinary degree from Johnson & Wales University and went on to work in a variety of kitchens from boutique restaurants to conference hotels. As a true foodie, Amanda seeks out nutritious and unique flavors to inspire others to eat happily and healthfully. When she's not cooking up delicious recipes, you can find her lap swimming in the pool or watching a good sci-fi movie. EatingWell's Editorial Guidelines Published on June 6, 2022 Reviewed by Dietitian Emily Lachtrupp, M.S., RD Reviewed by Dietitian Emily Lachtrupp, M.S., RD Emily Lachtrupp is a registered dietitian experienced in nutritional counseling, recipe analysis and meal plans. She's worked with clients who struggle with diabetes, weight loss, digestive issues and more. In her spare time, you can find her enjoying all that Vermont has to offer with her family and her dog, Winston. EatingWell's Editorial Guidelines Print Share Share Tweet Pin Email Photo: Jen Causey Active Time: 40 mins Total Time: 1 hrs 25 mins Servings: 8 Nutrition Profile: Healthy Pregnancy High-Protein Nut-Free Soy-Free Jump to Nutrition Facts Ingredients 1 ½ pounds 90%-lean ground beef 1 cup finely chopped yellow onion (1 small), divided ½ cup whole-wheat panko breadcrumbs 2 large eggs ⅓ cup unsalted beef broth ¼ cup finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley 3 cloves garlic, minced, divided ½ teaspoon ground fennel ¾ teaspoon salt, divided ¾ teaspoon ground pepper, divided 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, cut into 24 (1/2-inch) cubes 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil 1 (14.5 ounce) can no-salt-added crushed tomatoes 1 (14.5 ounce) can no-salt-added diced tomatoes 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh thyme 1 tablespoon torn basil leaves, plus more for garnish Shaved Parmesan cheese for garnish Directions Combine ground beef, 1/2 cup onion, panko, eggs, broth, parsley, 1 teaspoon garlic, fennel and 1/2 teaspoon each salt and pepper in a large bowl. Mix with your hands until well combined (do not overmix). Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the beef mixture into the palm of your hand and flatten; top with a mozzarella cube. Wrap the mozzarella entirely in the beef mixture to seal; shape into a 2-inch ball. Place on a plate or parchment-paper-lined baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining beef mixture and mozzarella to make 24 meatballs; refrigerate, uncovered, for 30 minutes. Heat oil in a large high-sided nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs, in batches if necessary; cook, occasionally turning gently to brown all sides, for 4 to 6 minutes. Transfer to a plate (do not wipe out the pan). Add the remaining 1/2 cup onion and 2 teaspoons garlic to the pan; cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until softened, 2 to 3 minutes. Add crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, thyme, basil and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Stir well and bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Transfer the meatballs and any juices from the plate to the pan, stirring gently to coat. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover and simmer until a thermometer inserted in the center of the meatballs registers 160°F, about 15 minutes. Serve the meatballs with the sauce; garnish with Parmesan and basil, if desired. Print Nutrition Facts (per serving) 317 Calories 18g Fat 10g Carbs 26g Protein Show Full Nutrition Label Hide Full Nutrition Label Nutrition Facts Servings Per Recipe 8 Calories 317 % Daily Value * Total Carbohydrate 10g 4% Dietary Fiber 2g 7% Total Sugars 4g Protein 26g 52% Total Fat 18g 23% Saturated Fat 8g 40% Cholesterol 122mg 41% Vitamin A 1014IU 20% Vitamin C 14mg 16% Vitamin D 13IU 3% Vitamin E 1mg 4% Folate 18mcg 5% Vitamin K 33mcg 28% Sodium 386mg 17% Calcium 191mg 15% Iron 4mg 22% Magnesium 23mg 5% Potassium 551mg 12% Zinc 4mg 36% Vitamin B12 2mcg 83% Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate. * Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.) (-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs. Powered by the ESHA Research Database © 2018, ESHA Research, Inc. All Rights Reserved