Ingredients:
For the Meatballs:
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1 egg
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
For the Cheese Filling:
– 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes
– 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
For Assembly and Cooking:
– Marinara sauce for serving
– Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, egg, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
3. In a separate bowl, mix together mozzarella cheese cubes and softened cream cheese for the filling.
4. Take a portion of the meat mixture and flatten it in your hand. Place a spoonful of the cheese filling in the center and encase it with the meat, forming a meatball.
5. Repeat the process to make the desired number of meatballs.
6. Arrange the stuffed meatballs on the prepared baking sheet.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the meatballs are cooked through and golden brown.
8. Serve the Cheese Stuffed Meatballs over marinara sauce, garnished with fresh basil leaves if desired.
