Mozzarella Meat Balls

Mozzarella Meat Balls Recipe from Poland - Perfect Italian Cuisine

Region / culture: Poland | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Mozzarella Meat Balls are a delicious and satisfying dish that combines the flavors of juicy ground beef, gooey melted cheese, and savory tomato sauce. This recipe is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion.

History

The origins of Mozzarella Meat Balls are not entirely clear, but it is believed to have Italian roots. This dish is a modern twist on traditional meatballs, adding a surprise burst of cheesy goodness in every bite.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) lean ground beef
1 cup fresh white breadcrumbs
1 clove garlic, crushed
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
salt and pepper (optional)
1 egg, beaten
5 oz (142 g) mozzarella cheese
1 tbsp vegetable oil
1 onion, chopped
1 (14 oz (397 g)) can tomatoes, chopped
12 oz (340 g) spaghetti (or preferred pasta)

How to prepare

In a bowl, combine the beef, breadcrumbs, garlic, half of the parsley, salt, and pepper.
Add the egg to the mixture and mix well.
Cut the mozzarella cheese into 16 small cubes.
Take a heaped teaspoonful of the beef mixture and shape it into a ball around each cube of cheese.
Heat the oil in a large covered pan. Add the meatballs to the pan and cook until browned on all sides.
Add the onion to the pan and cook for 2 to 3 minutes. Then, add the tomatoes and their juice.
Bring the mixture to a simmer, cover the pan, and cook for 30 minutes.
Uncover the pan and cook for an additional 10 minutes to allow the sauce to reduce and thicken slightly.
Meanwhile, cook the spaghetti in boiling water until it reaches your desired level of doneness.
Drain the spaghetti well and divide it among 4 warmed plates.
Divide the sauce among the plates of spaghetti and sprinkle them with the remaining parsley.

Variations

Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
Add Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes to the meat mixture for extra flavor.
Substitute different types of cheese, such as cheddar or provolone, for a unique twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use lean ground beef to keep the meatballs from becoming too greasy.

- Be gentle when shaping the meatballs around the cheese cubes to prevent them from falling apart during cooking.

- Cooking the meatballs in a covered pan helps them retain moisture and cook evenly.

- Letting the sauce simmer for an extended period of time allows the flavors to meld together and develop a rich taste.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Mozzarella Meat Balls over a bed of spaghetti or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. A side salad or steamed vegetables make a great accompaniment.

Cooking Techniques

Browning the meatballs before simmering them in the sauce helps develop a rich flavor.

- Covering the pan while cooking the meatballs ensures they stay juicy and tender.

- Allowing the sauce to reduce and thicken slightly intensifies the flavors.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use panko breadcrumbs instead of fresh white breadcrumbs.

- Swap out the mozzarella cheese for another type of cheese, such as feta or goat cheese.

- Substitute ground pork or lamb for the ground beef for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the meatballs ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to cook. The sauce can also be made in advance and reheated when needed.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the Mozzarella Meat Balls with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese for a pop of color and flavor. Serve them in a shallow bowl or on a platter for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Mozzarella Meat Balls with a glass of red wine, such as Chianti or Merlot, for a classic Italian meal. A side of garlic bread or bruschetta complements the dish perfectly.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the meatballs and sauce in a covered pan over low heat until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Mozzarella Meat Balls contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Mozzarella Meat Balls contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Mozzarella Meat Balls contains approximately 20 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Mozzarella Meat Balls contains approximately 30 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Mozzarella Meat Balls are a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cheese) and gluten (breadcrumbs).

Summary

Mozzarella Meat Balls are a balanced meal with a good mix of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. They also provide essential vitamins and minerals for a well-rounded diet.

Summary

Mozzarella Meat Balls are a comforting and flavorful dish that is sure to please the whole family. With a gooey cheese center and a rich tomato sauce, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that is perfect for any occasion. Enjoy this delicious meal with your loved ones and savor every bite!

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of anticipation I felt when I first discovered this recipe for Mozzarella Meat Balls. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in the small village of Castellamare in Italy. I had always loved to cook, and I was constantly on the lookout for new and exciting recipes to try out in my kitchen.

One day, while visiting a local farmer's market, I stumbled upon a vendor selling the most delicious looking meatballs I had ever seen. They were plump and juicy, with a gooey, melted mozzarella cheese center that oozed out with every bite. I knew I had to find out the secret behind these delectable treats.

I approached the vendor, a kind old woman with a twinkle in her eye, and asked her about the recipe for the meatballs. She smiled and told me that it was a family recipe that had been passed down through generations. She could see the passion in my eyes for cooking, and she offered to teach me how to make them.

Over the next few weeks, I spent countless hours in the old woman's kitchen, watching and learning as she prepared the meatballs. She showed me how to mix the ground meat with breadcrumbs, eggs, and herbs, and how to form them into perfect little balls. But the most exciting part was when she revealed the secret ingredient - a cube of mozzarella cheese nestled inside each meatball, just waiting to burst out with flavor.

As I watched her cook, I could see the love and care she put into each step of the process. She explained that the key to a perfect meatball was to cook them gently in a rich tomato sauce, allowing the flavors to meld together and create a harmonious dish.

After many hours of practice, I finally felt confident enough to try making the meatballs on my own. I gathered the ingredients and set to work in my own kitchen, channeling the old woman's teachings and putting my own twist on the recipe.

The smell of the meatballs cooking filled the kitchen, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and accomplishment as I watched them sizzle and bubble in the pot. When I finally took my first bite, I knew that I had truly mastered the art of Mozzarella Meat Balls.

Since that day, the recipe has become a staple in my kitchen. I have shared it with friends and family, and it has become a beloved dish at many gatherings and celebrations. I always think back to that kind old woman in the market, who took the time to pass on her knowledge and inspire me to become the cook I am today.

As I sit here now, reminiscing about that fateful day in the market, I am filled with gratitude for the gift of cooking that has been passed down to me. The recipe for Mozzarella Meat Balls will always hold a special place in my heart, reminding me of the joy and fulfillment that comes from sharing delicious food with the ones you love. And for that, I am truly grateful.