Mozzarella-Stuffed Meatballs — Instant Pot or Oven Recipe

I have an excellent mozzarella stuffed meatballs recipe that can be made in an Instant Pot, oven, or slow cooker. A mix of Italian sausage and ground beef creates juicy meatballs with a molten mozzarella center. Simmer them in a rich marinara or pasta sauce and serve for an easy, comforting meal.

These cheesy meatballs are delicious simmered in tomato sauce. For a low-carb option, pair them with a keto-friendly sauce or serve over roasted vegetables. They also shine on pasta, toasted hoagies, sliders, or as an appetizer with toothpicks.

Ingredients for Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 pound mild Italian sausage
• 1/2 cup flour
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup hot water
• 8 ounces mozzarella, cubed
• Marinara or your favorite pasta sauce

How To Make Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs

This recipe works well in an Instant Pot, oven, or slow cooker. The instructions below explain each method.

• In a large bowl or stand mixer, combine the ground beef, Italian sausage, flour, dried basil, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, pepper, Parmesan, and eggs. Mix gently until combined, then add the hot water a little at a time until the mixture is cohesive but not overworked.
• Use a scoop to portion the mixture. Form each portion into a cup, add a cube of mozzarella into the center, then gently roll and seal the meat around the cheese. Roll until the outside is smooth and slightly glossy to help seal the seam. Repeat until all meatballs are formed. (This yields about 24 meatballs.)
• Instant Pot method: Drizzle a little olive oil in the bottom of the pot to prevent sticking. Spread about 1 cup of sauce on the bottom, arrange a single layer of meatballs over the sauce, and pour remaining sauce over the top.
• Seal the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 7 minutes. Allow a natural release for 5 minutes, then perform a quick release. Carefully remove the lid, sprinkle with Parmesan, and serve.

Expert Tips for Stuffed Meatballs

• Combine ground beef and Italian sausage for the best texture and flavor; the sausage adds fat and seasoning while the beef keeps the meatball hearty.
• Avoid overmixing to keep meatballs tender. Mix until ingredients are evenly distributed and stop.
• Roll each meatball between your palms until the surface appears smooth and slightly glossy. This helps seal the cheese inside and reduces the chance of leakages during cooking.
• When using the Instant Pot, a bit of olive oil and a layer of sauce on the bottom help prevent the burn warning and ensure even cooking.
• Using a scoop keeps portions uniform so all meatballs cook through at the same time.

Oven Directions

1. Prepare meatballs as directed. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray and spread a layer of sauce on the bottom. Arrange the raw meatballs on top of the sauce and cover them with additional sauce.
3. Bake 18–20 minutes or until meatballs are cooked through and internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). Finish with a sprinkle of Parmesan and serve.

Easy and quick in the oven—great when you want hands-off cooking with a nicely browned finish.

Slow Cooker Directions

1. Prepare meatballs as directed.
2. Pour a layer of sauce into the slow cooker, place meatballs on top, and cover with remaining sauce.
3. Cook on low for 3–4 hours or on high for 2–3 hours, until meatballs are cooked through.

How Do I Serve Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs

• As an appetizer with a toothpick
• On slider buns or toasted hoagies for sandwiches
• Over cooked pasta or zucchini noodles
• With garlic breadsticks or a crisp salad
• Halved and used as a pizza topping

These meatballs are versatile—serve them however you like. They’re great for family dinners, parties, or meal prep.

More Recipe Inspiration

• Instant Pot Hawaiian meatballs
• Classic homemade meatballs
• Spaghetti and meatballs made in the Instant Pot
• Slow cooker grape jelly meatballs (3 ingredients)

Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs

Tender, juicy meatballs with a melted mozzarella center. Made in the Instant Pot, oven, or slow cooker. Serve on pasta, in sandwiches, or as an appetizer.

How do you prefer to eat your mozzarella stuffed meatballs?