Description
Delight your family with these Spooky Spaghetti and Cheese Stuffed Meatballs, featuring juicy ground beef meatballs filled with gooey mozzarella, baked to perfection and served over marinara-coated spaghetti. This fun and flavorful dish combines classic Italian flavors with a playful twist, perfect for a hearty weeknight meal or a festive gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs
- 1 lb Ground Beef (Substitute with ground turkey for a lighter option)
- 1 cup Breadcrumbs (Use gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed)
- 1 Egg (Flax egg can be used for a vegan option)
- 1 medium Onion, finely grated
- 1/2 cup Zucchini, minced (optional for extra moisture)
- 8 oz Mozzarella Cheese, cut into small pieces
Spaghetti and Sauce
- 12 oz Spaghetti (Opt for gluten-free pasta if needed)
- 2 cups Marinara Sauce (Enhance with garlic or herbs for extra flavor)
- Parmesan Cheese, freshly grated for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, finely grated onion, and minced zucchini if using. Mix until ingredients are just combined to avoid overworking the meat and toughening the meatballs.
- Shape and Stuff Meatballs: Take portions of the mixture and form into balls about 1.5 inches in diameter. Press a small indentation into the center of each meatball and insert a piece of mozzarella cheese. Carefully encase the cheese completely with meat, ensuring it is sealed well.
- Preheat the Oven and Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the stuffed meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment or foil. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and golden brown on the outside.
- Cook the Spaghetti: While the meatballs bake, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and immediately toss it with the marinara sauce to coat each strand thoroughly.
- Plate and Serve: Divide the spaghetti coated in marinara sauce onto plates. Top with the warm, cheesy meatballs and drizzle additional marinara sauce over the top. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an added savory touch.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey for a leaner version of the meatballs.
- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.
- For a vegan alternative, replace the egg with a flax egg and use vegan cheese.
- Adding zucchini increases moisture and adds hidden veggies to the meatballs.
- Make sure to seal the mozzarella inside the meatballs to prevent it from oozing out during baking.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the gooey cheese center at its best.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
