The Ultimate Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs: A Slow Cooker & Instant Pot Family Favorite

Prepare to delight your taste buds and satisfy a hungry crowd with these incredibly flavorful Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs! This recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a culinary experience that combines tender, perfectly seasoned meat with a gooey, cheesy surprise center. Loved by kids and adults alike, these meatballs are versatile enough for any occasion, whether it’s a casual family dinner, a lively gathering with friends, or a convenient meal prep solution for busy weeks.

My family absolutely adores these meatballs, and I’m confident yours will too. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the impressive yield of 16-20 generously sized meatballs. If you’re cooking for a smaller group or looking to get ahead, you can easily halve the recipe or flash freeze half of the uncooked meatballs for a delicious dinner another night. We’ll dive into how to do that, along with detailed instructions for both slow cooker and Instant Pot preparation, ensuring tender, juicy results every time.

Why These Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs Will Become Your Go-To Recipe

What makes these meatballs so special? It’s the harmonious blend of robust flavors, the comforting texture, and of course, that irresistible molten mozzarella core. Every bite offers a savory journey, starting with the perfectly seasoned meat, followed by a burst of creamy, melted cheese. This recipe is designed to be approachable for home cooks of all skill levels, ensuring a fantastic outcome with minimal fuss.

Beyond their incredible taste, these meatballs are incredibly versatile. Serve them classic-style over a bed of al dente pasta with extra marinara sauce, pile them high on toasted hoagie rolls for a satisfying meatball sub, or even enjoy them as a standalone appetizer at your next party. Their crowd-pleasing nature makes them ideal for entertaining, and the generous portion size means there are usually leftovers – if you’re lucky!

For those who love to get a visual of the cooking process, check out this post on Instagram: View this post on Instagram by Amber (@amberskitchen).

The Magic Behind the Melty Core: Perfect Stuffed Meatballs Every Time

The secret to truly amazing mozzarella stuffed meatballs lies in the careful balance of ingredients and the technique of encasing the cheese. We use a combination of ground beef and mild Italian sausage, which provides a rich, complex flavor profile that’s hard to beat. The sausage adds an extra layer of savory depth and a hint of Italian seasoning, complementing the beef beautifully. Our blend of classic Italian herbs and spices – including garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano – ensures that every part of the meatball is bursting with authentic flavor.

But the real star, of course, is the mozzarella. Cutting the mozzarella into precise cubes ensures that each meatball gets an adequate amount of cheese without it oozing out prematurely during cooking. The goal is a perfect melt-in-your-mouth experience when you cut into the cooked meatball. We also incorporate fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese into the mixture, adding brightness and another layer of umami that elevates the overall taste.

Recipe: Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs

We love these at our house! These scrumptious meatballs can be used for subs, pasta, or just plain. Enjoy!

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Course: Main Dishes

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 5 hours (Slow Cooker)

Total Time: 5 hours 20 minutes

Servings: 20 large meatballs

Ingredients

• 20 oz mozzarella cheese, cut into 16-20 cubes
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup chopped flat leaf parsley
• 2 eggs
• 1/3 cup chopped onion
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 pound ground beef (lean recommended)
• 1 pound mild Italian sausage, casing removed
• 2, 24 oz jars of your favorite marinara sauce

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the salt, onion powder, pepper, garlic powder, dried oregano, Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, whole milk, eggs, and chopped onion. Whisk or mix these ingredients thoroughly until well combined. This ensures even distribution of flavor throughout the meatballs.
2. Next, add the breadcrumbs to the wet mixture and mix again. The breadcrumbs will absorb some of the liquid, helping to bind the meatballs and keep them moist.
3. Now, add the ground beef and mild Italian sausage to the seasoned breadcrumb mixture. The most efficient way to combine everything is by hand (wearing gloves can be helpful). Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough meatballs.
4. Divide the meat mixture into 16-20 equal portions. Take each portion and flatten it slightly in your palm. Place a cube of mozzarella cheese in the center of the flattened meat. Carefully form the meat mixture around the cheese, ensuring the cheese is completely enclosed and sealed on all sides. Roll each portion into a firm, round meatball.
5. **Optional Meal Prep Step:** Since this recipe yields a generous amount, you might want to save some for later. At this point, you can take half of the uncooked meatballs and flash freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe Ziplock bag for a future crockpot meal. They will keep well for up to 3 months. For the remaining meatballs, proceed with the slow cooker method.
6. To cook, empty one 24 oz jar of marinara sauce into the bottom of your slow cooker. Gently arrange the formed meatballs in a single layer over the sauce. Pour the second jar of marinara sauce over the meatballs, ensuring they are mostly covered. If needed, add a little extra marinara on top to keep them moist.
7. Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 3 hours, or on low for 5-6 hours. The meatballs should be cooked through, tender, and the sauce should be bubbling gently.
8. **Instant Pot Method:** For a quicker cooking option, place meatballs in the Instant Pot with marinara sauce as described above. Cook on high pressure for 9 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release. This ensures juicy, flavorful results in a fraction of the time.
9. Serve these delicious meatballs hot as classic meatball subs on crusty bread, alongside your favorite pasta, or simply as a satisfying main course with a side salad. These meatballs are truly delightful!

Mastering Meatball Meal Prep and Freezing

One of the greatest advantages of this mozzarella stuffed meatball recipe is how well it lends itself to meal preparation and freezing. Preparing a large batch means you’re just minutes away from a wholesome, homemade meal on even your busiest days. Here’s how to effectively prepare and store them:

Freezing Uncooked Meatballs:

1. After forming the meatballs with the cheese inside, arrange them in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Ensure they are not touching.
2. Place the baking sheet in the freezer for 1-2 hours, or until the meatballs are completely solid. This step, known as flash freezing, prevents them from sticking together when stored.
3. Once frozen solid, transfer the meatballs to a heavy-duty freezer-safe bag or airtight container. Label with the date. They will keep well for up to 3 months.
4. To cook from frozen: You can either thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before cooking in the slow cooker or Instant Pot, or cook them directly from frozen. If cooking from frozen, add an additional hour on low or 30 minutes on high in the slow cooker, or 2-3 minutes to the Instant Pot pressure cook time.

Freezing Cooked Meatballs in Sauce:

If you prefer to have fully prepared meals ready to go, you can also freeze the cooked meatballs along with the marinara sauce.

1. Allow the cooked meatballs and sauce to cool completely to room temperature.
2. Transfer the meatballs and sauce to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Ensure there is minimal air in the containers to prevent freezer burn.
3. Label with the date. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
4. To reheat: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave until heated through. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce seems too thick.

Having a stash of these meatballs in your freezer means quick, delicious dinners are always within reach, making weeknight cooking a breeze!

Serving Suggestions and Perfect Pairings

These Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs are incredibly versatile and pair wonderfully with a variety of dishes. Here are some of our favorite ways to enjoy them:

• Classic Pasta Dish: Serve them over a generous helping of spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne pasta, topped with extra marinara and a sprinkle of fresh Parmesan cheese. A true Italian comfort food!
• Meatball Subs: For a hearty lunch or dinner, tuck 3-4 meatballs into a toasted hoagie roll with plenty of sauce and an extra slice of provolone or mozzarella cheese, then broil until bubbly.
• Appetizer Style: Arrange smaller meatballs on a platter with toothpicks for an easy party snack. They’re always a hit!
• With Polenta or Risotto: For a more gourmet touch, serve them alongside creamy polenta or a rich mushroom risotto.
• Low-Carb Options: Pair with zucchini noodles (zoodles), cauliflower rice, or a fresh, crisp side salad for a lighter meal.
• Side Dishes: Don’t forget the accompaniments! Garlic bread, a simple green salad with vinaigrette, or roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus all complement these meatballs beautifully.

The rich, savory flavors of the meatballs and marinara sauce create a satisfying meal that everyone will love, no matter how you serve them.

Frequently Asked Questions About Stuffed Meatballs

Q: Can I use different types of meat for the meatballs?

A: Absolutely! While the blend of ground beef and mild Italian sausage offers the best flavor and texture, you can experiment. Ground pork, turkey, or even chicken can be used, though you might need to adjust the seasonings slightly and add a bit more fat (like olive oil) if using leaner meats to prevent them from drying out.

Q: What kind of cheese works best for stuffing?

A: Low-moisture mozzarella cheese is ideal because it melts beautifully without releasing too much water, which could make the meatballs soggy. You can also try provolone or a blend of mozzarella and provolone for a slightly sharper flavor. Avoid fresh mozzarella for stuffing as it contains too much moisture.

Q: Can I bake these meatballs instead of using a slow cooker or Instant Pot?

A: Yes, you can! After forming the meatballs, you can brown them in a skillet on all sides, then transfer them to a baking dish with the marinara sauce. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30-40 minutes, or until cooked through. Alternatively, you can bake them directly in the sauce without browning first, though browning adds a nice depth of flavor.

Q: How can I make these meatballs gluten-free?

A: To make this recipe gluten-free, simply substitute regular breadcrumbs with your favorite gluten-free breadcrumbs. Ensure all other ingredients, especially marinara sauce, are certified gluten-free.

Q: My meatballs are falling apart, what went wrong?

A: Meatballs typically fall apart if the mixture isn’t bound well enough. Ensure you haven’t skipped the eggs or breadcrumbs, as these are crucial binders. Also, make sure not to overmix the meat, as this can make it tough and crumbly. Forming the meatballs firmly but gently is also important to keep them intact.

Q: Can I add extra vegetables to the sauce?

A: Definitely! Sautéed bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini can be added to the marinara sauce in the slow cooker for extra flavor and nutrients. Just ensure they are cut into bite-sized pieces.

Final Thoughts on These Delicious Stuffed Meatballs

These Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs are truly a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create something extraordinary. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe offers a rewarding cooking experience and a meal that will bring smiles to the faces of everyone at your table. The blend of rich meats, aromatic spices, and that irresistible cheesy core makes these meatballs a standout dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Give this recipe a try, and prepare to add it to your permanent rotation of family favorites!

Don’t forget to share your creations and experiences in the comments below!