Description
These delicious burrata-stuffed meatballs combine juicy seasoned ground beef with creamy burrata cheese at the center, baked to perfection and served with warm marinara sauce. Perfect as a hearty appetizer or main dish alongside pasta or in a sandwich.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Italian seasoned)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
For the Filling:
- 8 ounces burrata cheese (cut into small pieces)
For the Sauce:
- 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Fresh basil (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large bowl, mix the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, parsley, egg, garlic, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning until just combined, being careful not to overmix to keep the meatballs tender.
- Form the Meatballs: Portion about 2 tablespoons of the meat mixture and flatten it in your palm. Place a piece of burrata cheese in the center and carefully fold the meat around it, shaping into a ball, making sure the cheese is fully enclosed. Repeat with the remaining mixture.
- Bake the Meatballs: Arrange the stuffed meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until cooked through and browned on the outside.
- Heat the Sauce: While the meatballs bake, warm the marinara sauce over medium heat in a saucepan until heated through.
- Serve: Plate the meatballs and drizzle with the warm marinara sauce. Garnish with fresh basil if desired. Enjoy these meatballs on their own, with pasta, or inside a sub sandwich.
Notes
- Use a mix of pork and beef for juicier meatballs if preferred.
- Ensure the burrata is well enclosed in the meat to prevent leaking during baking.
- Italian seasoned breadcrumbs add extra flavor, but plain can be used with added Italian herbs.
- These meatballs freeze well before baking; freeze on a tray and then store in a bag for up to 1 month.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt and pepper.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: burrata stuffed meatballs, Italian meatballs, baked meatballs, cheesy meatballs, marinara meatballs
