Get ready to indulge in a mouthwatering Italian delight that’s sure to impress your family and friends! Our Crockpot Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs are not just your average meatballs; they are a symphony of flavors, featuring gooey mozzarella hidden inside tender, seasoned beef. Picture this: a busy day ahead, but with just 15 minutes of prep, you can set your crockpot and let the magic happen for 6 hours. The result? Juicy meatballs simmered in rich marinara sauce, ready to be savored over pasta or piled high in a sub. Trust us, once you try these cheesy, savory bites, they’ll become a staple in your dinner rotation!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, cubed
- 2 cups marinara sauce
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 lb ground beef, 1 cup breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1/4 cup chopped parsley, 1 egg, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 cup mozzarella cheese (cubed), and 2 cups marinara sauce.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, egg, garlic powder, and onion powder. Use your hands or a spoon to mix the ingredients until they are well combined.
- Once the mixture is well combined, take a small amount (about 2 tablespoons) and flatten it in the palm of your hand. Place a cube of mozzarella cheese in the center and carefully fold the meat around the cheese, forming a meatball. Make sure the cheese is completely enclosed. Repeat this process until all the meat mixture is used up.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, lightly brown the meatballs on all sides. This step is optional but adds extra flavor. If you choose to brown them, do this in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Once browned, transfer the meatballs to a plate.
- In the bottom of the crockpot, pour in 1 cup of marinara sauce, spreading it evenly. Then, carefully place the browned meatballs on top of the sauce in a single layer.
- Once all the meatballs are in the crockpot, pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top, ensuring that the meatballs are well coated.
- Cover the crockpot with its lid and set it to cook on low for 6 hours. This slow cooking process will allow the flavors to meld and the meatballs to become tender.
- After 6 hours, check the meatballs to ensure they are cooked through and the cheese has melted inside. The internal temperature of the meatballs should reach at least 160°F (70°C).
- Once cooked, serve the mozzarella stuffed meatballs hot, garnished with additional chopped parsley if desired. They can be enjoyed on their own, served over pasta, or in a sub sandwich with extra marinara sauce and cheese.
Tips
- Choose Quality Meat: For the best flavor and texture, opt for ground beef with a bit of fat content (80/20 is ideal). This ensures your meatballs stay juicy throughout the cooking process.
- Don’t Skip Browning: While browning the meatballs is optional, it adds a delicious depth of flavor. Just be sure not to overcrowd the pan to achieve that perfect golden crust.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh parsley and high-quality marinara sauce can elevate the dish significantly. If possible, go for homemade marinara for an authentic taste.
- Adjust Cheese to Taste: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese or add more mozzarella if you're a cheese lover! Just ensure it’s well-enclosed in the meat to prevent leakage during cooking.
- Check Doneness: Always use a meat thermometer to check that your meatballs reach an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C) to ensure they're safe to eat.
- Serve Creatively: These meatballs are versatile! Serve them over spaghetti, in a sub with extra cheese, or even on their own as a hearty appetizer. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 130mg
