I moved to New York City almost 4 years ago. I can’t believe how fast time is flying by! With an estimated population of 8,244,910 – I’ve learned a trick or two when it comes to dealing with people. More specifically, people I live with.
See, In the 4 years I’ve resided here, I’ve lived in 3 different apartments, had 10 different roommates, 2 “adopted kittens”, and only one living situation that ended poorly – and that wasn’t my fault; he was a total psycho.
I should get some sort of super roommate award.
Did I mention that 9 of those 10 roommates were males…? Living with dudes is a completely different ballgame than living with a lady – married women, mothers – I know you hear me (why can’t they just put the toilet seat down?!). And while living with boys can be tricky, you’d be surprised how quickly they change their tune towards things like cleaning charts and recycling duty when you place a giant plate of meatballs in front of them.
It’s like magic. Or maybe it’s science…? Boys + meat = happy little helpers.
Now when I say meatballs, I’m not just talking about any old ball of meat. No, no.
These babies are stuffed with fresh mozzarella cheese, onion, garlic, and so much more!
Currently I’m obsessed with serving these gorgeous balls of meat and cheese over fresh spaghetti squash, which is in season here and a great alternative to the beloved noodle. A quick marinara (red sauce) marries the meatballs and squash together perfectly. Friends, get ready for some healthy comfort food sure to please even the pickiest of eaters!
Pssssst! New to roasting spaghetti squash? Check out this post on how to roast spaghetti squash for a step-by-step guide 😉
Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs and Spaghetti Squash Marinara
Prep
Cook
Total
Yield 4 servings
Hearty Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs are paired with Spaghetti Squash and Homemade Marinara Sauce for a healthy meal that's oh-so comforting.
Ingredients
- For the Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef (grass fed if you can get your hands on it!)
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/4 yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 teaspoons fresh oregano (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon all seasons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- a few shakes of tabasco (or your favorite hot sauce)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1/2 grated Parmesan cheese
- 10 fresh mini mozzarella balls (most grocery stores sell them in the dairy/deli section)
- For the Spaghetti Squash:
- (1) 2 pound spaghetti squash, roasted (see post for link to step-by-step tutorial)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- For the Marinara Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup yellow onion, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper, optional
- 5 - 6 cloves of garlic, minced
- (1) 32 oz can of crushed tomatoes
- 1/4 cup basil, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- For the Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs:
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees (F). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper; set aside.
- In a large bowl combine the beef, garlic, yellow onion, parsley, oregano, black pepper, salt, pepper flakes, Worcestershire sauce, tabasco, olive oil, egg, and cheese; use your hands to combine the ingredients until combined. Take about a 1/4 cup of the beef mixture, make into a round ball, and then press your thumb deep in the middle, making room for the mozzarella ball. Place cheese in the middle and with hands pat the meatballs shut, making sure the cheese is completely covered; transfer to prepared baking sheet. Repeat with remaining meat and cheese. Bake the meatballs for 25-28 minutes. Once cooked all the way through, toss in marinara sauce and serve over spaghetti squash, or with your favorite noodle/ sauce combination. These also make awesome meatballs sandwiches!
- For the Spaghetti Squash:
- Roast spaghetti squash and let it cool. Once cool enough to handle, shred the squash with a fork, transferring the "spaghetti" to a large bowl; set aside.
- In a large skillet heat the olive oil over medium-heat. Add in garlic, salt and pepper and cook just until the garlic is lightly golden and fragrant. Add in spaghetti squash, stir to coat, then return squash and all garlic/oil from the pan to the clean bowl.
- For the Marinara Sauce:
- Heat olive oil in a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat. Add in onion and crushed red pepper and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until onion is soft and translucent. Add in garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes, then add in crushed tomatoes, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a rolling boil, then reduce the heat to low and cook, uncovered, for 15 minutes. Taste to check seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, and fresh basil as needed.
- To serve: Place a scoop on spaghetti squash on each plate, top with a few meatballs, then top with a generous ladle of marinara sauce. Add additional Parmesan cheese and basil if desired.
Courses Dinner
Cuisine Italian
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size 1 serving
Amount Per Serving | ||
|---|---|---|
% Daily Value |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
I lived with 4 guys and 1 girl my senior year of college…It was so great. Nothing like being able to just tell someone to pick their sh*t up, instead of thinking of the nicest way to ask them kindly without hurting their female feelings 😉
These meatballs look OVER THE TOP delicious.
I love that you served these over spaghetti squash. That oozey mozzarella is perfect too!
I have lived with my boyfriend for 3 years now and the first month was a real adjustment. Eventually though, I learned to bribe him with food when I wanted something done. These meatballs would be perfect for hanging up curtain rods or doing the dishes. No man can resist the power of cheese and meat.
A few notes: 1) I love that we both had mozzarella-related recipes on our blogs today. That means we’re on the same rad wavelength. 2) Holy moly, these look amazing! 3) Now I want meatballs + pasta/or/spaghetti squash for dinner. 4) You definitely win the super roommate award!
OH MY CHEESY GOOD GRACIOUS. These look wonderful!! I bet you are going to get everything on your list.
I love using spaghetti squash in place of pasta too. I can only imagine how amazing it would be with the meatballs!
I love that these are stuffed with mozzarella. Seriously, that’s the best cheese to stuff a meatball with. It just makes it so perfect and oozy cheesy! So smart and healthy to use spaghetti squash instead of regular carbo pasta. I hate roommates, they’re always so awkward and turn out to be psycho and a friendship is ruined haha
Wow – I LOVE this dish. I am so glad you stopped by my blog so that I can add yours to my Reader.
Everyone needs a psycho roommate at least once…makes for a good story 😉 I’m loving this dish…from the cheesy meatballs to the spaghetti squash…it’s all so tempting and delicious!!!
Good morning darlin! This looks so great, I love it! Can this be my breakfast? 😉
Absolutely!
You can never have too much cheese, and I love the surprise in these meatballs! Perfect decadence to put on top of spaghetti squash 🙂
omg that looks so good! thanks for stumbling on my page, because i love yours too, and am glad I found you also. new follower =) and love this post omg that looks so good!
xO!
http://www.thehautecookie.com
If there was a roommate of the year contest, I’d definitely vote for you. You’ve earned it.
Have I buttered you up enough to get an invitation the next time you make these meatballs? I’d love this.
SO FUNNY! I’ve lived in NY for 4 years too! I have awful roommate luck though, but only with girls. All of my boy roommates have been fine (a bit messy, but not the huge drama filled awfulness I had with the girls–and my boyfriend, my current roommate, is actually extremely neat so *phew*) I agree about men and food. It’s very true. And I want like 12 of these meatballs because OMG
oh my GOSH. these meatballs look phenomenal. we had meat sauce last night & it was great, but could not compare to this. YUM.
Those are some stellar meatballs! I can’t imagine who wouldn’t like them! A delightfully comforting dinner for a dark fall evening!
I applaud you in your many roommate adventures – you’ve got some skills!
I love stuffed mozzarella stuffed meatballs! So yummy 🙂 These look great!
Thanks, Nicole! You’re the sweetest!
Oh my gosh this looks SO delicious! I love the idea of the mozarella stuffing and the squash spaghetti – need to try it! x
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Yes you do! Let me know if you give it a go 🙂
Officially obsessed with spaghetti squash at the moment – and those meatballs look insane. Add red wine and a box set and Im officially hibernating til April!xx
Red wine makes everything better.
ok. i have GOT to make these for Kevin. He would go nuts if these cheesy meatballs were on the table for dinner one night. I don’t eat much beef, so i think they’d be just as tasty with ground turkey as well. ok. I’m now STARVING for some! Oh and i’m obsessed with spaghetti squash. 🙂 🙂
Do it!!! He’ll worship you (even more than he already does – duh) – Trust me!
What a seriously great idea – I am going to have to try that tonight and see what reward I get from Dave 🙂
We’re going to eat dim sum for lunch in 5 minutes… I’ve been eating Chinese food (and some Japanese food) all this week, and I really crave for comfort food like this. Well, maybe too hot to eat at 80F weather, but can’t wait to cook this once I get back… looks yummy Ashley!
That looks delicious! I never thought to put mozzarela in meatballs, but I love the idea!