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The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
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★★★★★

4.9 from 9 reviews

This Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe combines savory ground beef and Italian sausage with aromatic herbs and cheeses to create hearty, flavorful meatballs perfect for any cozy dinner. Stuffed with fresh mozzarella, these meatballs are juicy, cheesy, and deliciously satisfying.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat Mixture

  • 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend recommended for flavor)
  • 1 lb ground Italian sausage (sweet or hot, your preference!)
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (Italian seasoned preferred, or plain with Italian seasoning added)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)

For Cooking

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced (about 1/4 inch thick)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the meat mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground Italian sausage, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, beaten eggs, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and milk. Add dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined, taking care not to overwork the meat to keep the meatballs tender.
  2. Form the meatballs: Divide the meat mixture into equal portions. Take each portion and flatten it in your palm, place a slice of fresh mozzarella cheese in the center, then carefully mold the meat around the cheese to form a sealed ball. Repeat with remaining portions.
  3. Cook the meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side until browned and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C). Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate if necessary.
  4. Serve: Serve the hot, cheesy meatballs immediately as a comforting main dish alongside your choice of sides such as pasta, salad, or crusty bread.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of red wine to the meat mixture.
  • You can bake the meatballs at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes as a hands-off cooking alternative.
  • Use fresh herbs if available for a brighter flavor.
  • Ensure the mozzarella is well sealed inside to prevent leakage during cooking.
  • These meatballs freeze well; freeze before cooking and bake directly from frozen, adding a few minutes to cook time.

Nutrition

Keywords: comfort food, meatballs, Italian sausage, ground beef, mozzarella stuffed meatballs, easy dinner, cheesy meatballs

Find it online: https://bitesizedbenny.com/the-ultimate-comfort-food-recipe-2/