Easy to Make Burrata Stuffed Meatballs with Homemade Spicy Marinara Sauce

Burrata stuffed meatballs, simmered in a rich, homemade spicy marinara sauce. These indulgent bites feature a perfect balance of tender beef, gooey cheese, and a kick of heat, making them a bold and comforting dish perfect for any occasion.

What is burrata and why is it the best cheese for stuffed meatballs?

Burrata is a fresh Italian cheese made from mozzarella and cream. It has a delicate outer shell of mozzarella that encases a rich, creamy center called stracciatella. When used in stuffed meatballs, burrata adds an irresistible contrast of textures—melting into a luscious, gooey filling as the meatballs cook. Its mild, milky flavor balances perfectly with the bold, spicy marinara sauce, creating a rich and decadent bite in every serving.

Ingredients

Burrata Stuffed Meatballs

• 2.5 lbs ground beef, 80% lean
• 8 oz. burrata cheese
• 8 oz. fresh mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup sweet onion, chopped
• 1/4 cup jalapeño, chopped
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika
• 2 tsp whole rosemary
• 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• salt & pepper, to taste

Homemade Spicy Marinara Sauce

• 29 oz fire roasted tomatoes, diced
• 6 oz tomato paste
• 1/2 cup sweet onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup jalapeño, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning

Burrata Stuffed Meatballs Directions

1. Prepare and cut ingredients; in a large pan, add a large drizzle of olive oil over medium-high heat and place ground beef in a large glass bowl
2. Once pan is heated, add chopped onion and jalapeño and cook until softened and browned, stirring frequently; about 6-8 minutes

3. Transfer onion and jalapeño to bowl with ground beef, mix well with hands until evenly distributed
4. Preheat oven to 420 degrees Fahrenheit; while oven is heating; grab a handful of meat (depending on how large you want your meatballs); split meat in half and press down on middle of one of the two pieces to form space for burrata cheese (chunk). Place remaining meat over meat with burrata cheese; press on outside of meat to ensure the burrata cheese center is enclosed; carefully form into ball shape.
5. Transfer burrata-filled meatball to a lightly oiled baking sheet; repeat step 4 and 5 for remaining amount of meat

6. Once meatballs are formed and on baking sheet, transfer to pre-heated oven and cook for about 20 minutes; roll meatballs half-way through cooking time to ensure consistent texture

Homemade Spicy Marinara Sauce Directions

7. While meatballs are cooking in oven, add a large drizzle of oil to a large saucepan over medium-high heat
8. Once heated, add finely chopped onion and jalapeño, cooking until browned and softened; stir frequently; about 6-8 minutes; when there is about 1 minute left of cooking, add garlic and stir
9. Add in diced tomatoes (along with the juice) and tomato paste; use masher to break up tomatoes; stir until consistent

10. Bring sauce to a boil; reducing heat to allow for a slow simmer; allow to simmer for 15 minutes; add in Italian seasoning, salt & pepper, and a pinch of sugar (if desired; helps to cut down acidity of sauce)

Adding burrata stuffed meatballs to homemade spicy marinara sauce

11. Once meatballs are finished cooking, remove from oven and carefully transfer to saucepan with homemade spicy marinara sauce; allow meatballs to sit in simmering sauce for at least 5-10 minutes (allows the flavors to absorb and meld).

12. Now it’s time to enjoy – remove meatballs & a spoonful of sauce and enjoy! Our favorite thing to do with this recipe is cutting one or two meatballs in half and serving on a delicious toasted Italian roll – the most delicious meatball sandwich!

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Looking for more delicious Italian recipes? Be sure to check out our Italian recipes page, which features classics such as cacio e pepe and homemade Bolognese!