Mozzarella Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs

Ingredients

• 6 mozzarella string cheese sticks (1 oz. per stick)
• 2 cloves garlic
• 2 lb. 85% lean ground beef
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup dried bread crumbs
• 1 Tbsp. Italian seasoning
• 2 oz. grated Parmesan cheese (2 oz. is about 2/3 cup, for meatballs)
• 1 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. black pepper
• 1 jar marinara sauce (24 oz. per jar)
• grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Set aside.
3. Cut each mozzarella stick into 8 even pieces.
4. Grate or press the garlic cloves into a large mixing bowl. Add the ground beef, eggs, bread crumbs, Italian seasoning, Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Using clean hands, mix the ingredients until just combined.
5. Roll the meat mixture into 48 balls, about 1-inch in diameter, or 1.5 oz. each, and place on the prepared baking sheets.
6. Slightly flatten a meatball in the palm of your hand and place a piece of mozzarella in the center. Close meat around cheese and roll to tightly enclose. Return stuffed meatballs to baking sheet.
7. Bake the meatballs on middle rack of oven until meat reaches 160°F, 16-17 minutes.
8. Check to see that meatballs are done. Remove from oven or add time as needed.
9. Transfer the meatballs to a large pot and pour in the marinara sauce. Set the pot over medium heat and bring to a simmer. Simmer meatballs in sauce until heated through, 3-5 minutes.
10. Transfer meatballs to a serving dish and top with the grated Parmesan cheese. Serve with a pasta dish and other side dishes of your choice.