Bacon & Mozzarella-Stuffed Meatball Recipe : Italian Recipes

bacon

🥗Healthier: turkey bacon

💰Cheaper: pork belly

Turkey bacon is lower in fat, while pork belly can be less expensive.

mozzarella cheese

🥗Healthier: part-skim mozzarella

💰Cheaper: provolone cheese

Part-skim mozzarella reduces calories, while provolone is often cheaper.

parmesan cheese

🥗Healthier: nutritional yeast

💰Cheaper: grated pecorino

Nutritional yeast is dairy-free, while pecorino can be more affordable.

ground beef

🥗Healthier: ground turkey

💰Cheaper: ground pork

Ground turkey is leaner, while ground pork is often less expensive.

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

Cook chopped bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, then drain on paper towels.

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, cooked bacon, bread crumbs, parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, diced onion, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.

Mix until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.

Take a portion of the meat mixture and flatten it in your hand.

Place a cube of mozzarella in the center and wrap the meat around it, forming a ball.

Repeat with the remaining mixture and cheese.

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sear the meatballs until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.

Transfer the meatballs to a baking dish and cover with tomato sauce.

Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until cooked through and cheese is melted.

Sprinkle with red pepper flakes before serving.

Cooking Techniques

Spice Level:

Allergens