Oven-Baked Stuffed Meatballs (Polpetone) – A Perfect Sunday Lunch

Polpetone makes any meal feel like a fancy restaurant dish—perfect for a cozy Sunday lunch. Today, we’re making a delicious oven-baked stuffed meatball (polpetone). Gather your family and let’s get cooking!

Ingredients for Oven-Baked Stuffed Meatballs:

• 2.6 lbs (1.2 kg) ground beef;
• 12 slices white bread, crusts removed;
• 1.5 cups (350 ml) milk;
• 14 oz (400g) mozzarella cheese, cubed;
• 1 onion, finely diced;
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped;
• 3 large eggs;
• 1.5 oz (40g) grated Parmesan cheese;
• 8 cloves garlic, minced;
• Salt and black pepper to taste;
• Paprika to taste;
• Marinara sauce (tomato sauce) to taste.

How to make Oven-Baked Polpetone:

1. Place the milk in a bowl and soak the bread slices.
2. Press down on the bread to ensure it is well-moistened.
3. In a large bowl, combine the moistened bread and ground beef with the seasonings (onion, garlic, salt, parsley, black pepper).
4. Add the Parmesan cheese and eggs.
5. Mix everything thoroughly until well incorporated.
6. Divide the mixture into 12 equal portions.
7. Flatten each portion onto a piece of plastic wrap.
8. Place a few cubes of mozzarella in the center of each, then fold the edges up to seal the meat around the cheese, shaping them into thick patties.
9. Shape them firmly into rounded, thick meatballs.
10. Refrigerate for 2 hours to set.
11. Dip each meatball into slightly beaten eggs.
12. Then, coat them in breadcrumbs mixed with paprika.
13. Drizzle olive oil in a large baking dish and arrange the polpetones side by side.
14. Drizzle a little more olive oil over the top.
15. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 30 minutes.
16. After 30 minutes, carefully flip the meatballs.
17. Increase the oven temperature to 465°F (240°C).
18. Bake for another 15 minutes until lightly golden brown.
19. Remove from the oven, and top each one with a ladle of marinara sauce.
20. For the final touch, place a slice of mozzarella on top—it will melt beautifully, making them even more delicious. Enjoy!

Did you know?

The polpetone is a variation of the classic Italian polpettone, which is typically a large, oven-baked or fried meatloaf. The main difference is size: while a traditional polpettone is served as a large loaf, the Brazilian-style polpetone is prepared as individual, burger-sized portions.

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