---
title: Melt in the Middle Meatballs
servings: 4
source:
  name: HelloFresh
  url: https://www.hellofresh.com/recipes/uk-melt-in-the-middle-meatballs-57558e5b4dab7189498b4567
prep time: 15 minutes
cook time: 25 minutes
time required: 40 minutes
difficulty: easy
allergens:
  - Wheat
  - Milk
tags: []
rating: 3.5
rating_count: 833
source_chef: Recipe Development Team
nutrition:
  calories: 931
  protein: 58
  fat: 36
  saturated fat: 16
  carbohydrates: 99
  sugar: 17
  fiber: 7
  cholesterol: 140
  sodium: 947
image: "https://images.recipes.furrysalamander.com/Meatball%20Recipes/melt-in-the-middle-meatballs.avif"
---
![Step 1](step-1.jpg)
Wash and dry all produce.
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
Bring a #large pot{} of salted water to a boil.
Halve, peel and finely dice the @red onion{1%unit}.
Mince or grate the @garlic{2%clove}.
Cut the @fresh mozzarella{8%oz} into small cubes.
Trim and discard the bottom inch from the @baby broccoli{12%oz}.

![Step 2](step-2.jpg)
Heat a large drizzle of @olive oil{6%tsp}(divided) in a #large pan{} over medium-high heat.
Add half the onion and cook, tossing for 2-3 minutes, until softened.
Add the @panko breadcrumbs{½%cup}, half the @dried thyme{1%tsp}, and half the garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
Season with @salt{} and @pepper{}.
Transfer the mixture to a #large bowl{}.

Roast the broccolini: Toss the broccolini on a #baking sheet{} with a drizzle of oil and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Place in the oven for about 20 minutes, turning halfway through, until slightly crispy.

Form the meatballs: Thoroughly mix the @ground beef{20%oz} into the panko mixture along with a large pinch of salt (we used 1 teaspoon kosher salt) and pepper.
Form the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs.
Press 1 cube of mozzarella into the center of each meatball and seal the meat around the cheese.
Reserve the extra mozzarella for step 7.

![Step 5](step-5.jpg)
Add the @spaghetti{12%oz} to the boiling water and cook for 9-11 minutes, until al dente.
Heat a large drizzle of oil in the same large pan over high heat.
Add the meatballs to the pan and sear for 4-5 minutes, rotating to brown on all sides.
Remove from the pan and set aside.

![Step 6](step-6.jpg)
Heat a drizzle of oil in the same pan over medium-high heat.
Add the remaining onion, thyme, and garlic to the pan.
Cook, tossing, for 2-3 minutes, until softened.
Add the @diced tomatoes{2%box}, @beef stock concentrate{1%unit}, @sugar{2%tsp}, and 2 cups water to the pan.
Bring to a simmer and season with salt and pepper.
Return the meatballs to the sauce to finish cooking through.

Finish: Drain the spaghetti and divide between plates.
Top with the sauce and meatballs.
Roughly chop the broccolini and sprinkle over the plate.
Top with any remaining mozzarella and enjoy!