Cheese Stuffed Meatballs Recipe

Introduction

Cheese Stuffed Meatballs are a delicious and indulgent twist on the classic Italian meatball. Filled with gooey, melted cheese, these meatballs offer a delightful surprise when you take a bite. With their savory, juicy exterior and cheesy, melty center, they’re the perfect comfort food for any occasion. Whether served as a main dish with pasta, as an appetizer, or as a fun snack, Cheese Stuffed Meatballs are guaranteed to impress your guests and satisfy your cravings.

This recipe combines a flavorful meatball mixture with a variety of cheeses, ensuring each meatball is bursting with flavor. With a crispy, golden exterior and a tender, cheesy interior, these meatballs bring together the best of both worlds: a savory meatball and a cheesy treat. This guide will take you through each step of the process, offer tips for perfecting the recipe, and suggest variations for extra flavor.

Why You’ll Love Cheese Stuffed Meatballs

• Cheesy Surprise: The gooey melted cheese inside the meatball creates a delicious contrast with the savory, flavorful meatball exterior, making each bite a delightful experience.
• Perfectly Seasoned: With the perfect blend of garlic, herbs, and seasoning, these meatballs are packed with flavor that complements the rich cheese filling.
• Versatile Dish: Cheese Stuffed Meatballs can be served in a variety of ways—over pasta, in a sandwich, on their own as appetizers, or in a meatball sub. The possibilities are endless.
• Simple Ingredients: The ingredients for these meatballs are basic and easy to find. No complicated steps are required, and anyone can make these tasty meatballs at home.
• Comfort Food at Its Best: Cheese Stuffed Meatballs are the ultimate comfort food, providing a rich and satisfying meal that the whole family will enjoy.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
• Servings: Approximately 12-15 meatballs
• Calories per Serving: Around 300-350 calories per serving, depending on the size of the meatballs and specific ingredients.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 300-350 kcal
• Fat: 20-25g
• Carbohydrates: 8-10g
• Protein: 20-25g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 2-3g

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground beef (or a combination of ground beef and pork for extra flavor)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for frying)

For the Cheese Filling:

• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup ricotta cheese (optional for creaminess)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

the Sauce (Optional):

• 1 ½ cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture

Start by placing the ground beef (or beef and pork mixture) into a large mixing bowl. Add the breadcrumbs, eggs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together using your hands or a spoon until fully combined. The mixture should be thick but slightly moist. If the mixture feels too dry, add a little bit of milk to help bind the ingredients together.

Once the meatball mixture is ready, set it aside while you prepare the cheese filling.

2. Prepare the Cheese Filling

In a separate bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella cheese, ricotta cheese (if using), grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything together until you have a smooth, creamy filling. The cheese mixture should be thick and easy to scoop.

3. Form the Meatballs

Take a small amount of the meatball mixture (about 1 to 1 ½ tablespoons) and flatten it into a small patty shape in the palm of your hand. Place a spoonful of the cheese filling in the center of the patty. Carefully fold the edges of the meat mixture around the cheese, forming a ball and sealing the edges to keep the cheese inside. Repeat this process with the remaining meat mixture and cheese filling.

You should end up with about 12-15 cheese-stuffed meatballs. Make sure each meatball is tightly sealed so that the cheese doesn’t leak out during cooking.

4. Cook the Meatballs

There are two ways to cook these meatballs: pan-frying or baking. Both methods work well, but pan-frying gives the meatballs a crispier, golden exterior, while baking is a slightly healthier option.

To pan-fry: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the meatballs, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook the meatballs in batches if necessary. Brown the meatballs on all sides, turning them occasionally, for about 8-10 minutes. Once browned, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and cook for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until the meatballs are fully cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). If any cheese starts to ooze out, don’t worry—it’ll still taste delicious!

To bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased. Bake the meatballs for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and fully cooked through.

5. Serve the Meatballs

Once the meatballs are cooked, remove them from the skillet or oven and allow them to rest for a few minutes. This helps the cheese settle inside the meatball and prevents it from spilling out.

Serve the Cheese Stuffed Meatballs hot with a side of marinara sauce for dipping or pour the sauce over the meatballs for an added layer of flavor. They also pair wonderfully with pasta, on a sub roll for a meatball sandwich, or on their own as an appetizer.

Tips for Perfect Cheese Stuffed Meatballs

• Seal the Meatballs Well: Make sure the meatballs are tightly sealed around the cheese filling to prevent the cheese from leaking out while cooking. If necessary, gently press the meatballs together to ensure there are no gaps.
• Use High-Quality Cheese: For the best flavor, use fresh, high-quality mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. The better the cheese, the better the taste of the stuffed meatballs.
• Don’t Overmix the Meat Mixture: When combining the ingredients for the meatballs, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can result in tough meatballs.
• Let the Meatballs Rest: After cooking, let the meatballs rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and helps the cheese stay intact.
• Try Adding Herbs to the Meat Mixture: For an extra burst of flavor, try adding some fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or parsley to the meat mixture. This will enhance the overall taste of the meatballs.

Variations of Cheese Stuffed Meatballs

• Bacon and Cheese Stuffed Meatballs: For a smoky twist, add crumbled cooked bacon to the cheese filling. The crispy bacon adds a wonderful crunch and flavor to the meatballs.
• Spicy Cheese Stuffed Meatballs: Add some red pepper flakes to the meat mixture or to the cheese filling to give the meatballs a spicy kick. You can also use spicy pepper jack cheese for a more intense heat.
• Vegetarian Cheese Stuffed Meatballs: Use a mixture of breadcrumbs, ricotta cheese, and finely chopped vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, and zucchini for a vegetarian version of these cheese-stuffed meatballs. They are just as delicious and satisfying!
• Cheese Stuffed Turkey Meatballs: For a lighter version of these meatballs, substitute the ground beef with ground turkey. The result will be a slightly leaner meatball that still has all the cheesy goodness you love.
• Italian Style Cheese Stuffed Meatballs: Incorporate some fresh basil and a little bit of marinara sauce into the meatball mixture for an extra Italian flair. These will be bursting with herby, savory goodness.

Storage and Shelf Life

Cheese Stuffed Meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the microwave for 30-60 seconds or bake them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through.

For longer storage, freeze the cooked meatballs. Arrange the meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen cheese-stuffed meatballs will last for up to 3 months. To reheat from frozen, bake the meatballs at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes or until heated through.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Cheese Stuffed Meatballs

Pair these cheese-stuffed meatballs with complementary side dishes to create a full meal:

• Spaghetti or Pasta: Serve the meatballs over a bed of spaghetti or your favorite pasta. Top with marinara sauce and extra Parmesan for a classic meal.
• Garlic Bread: Garlic bread is the perfect side for soaking up the sauce from the meatballs and adds a crunchy, buttery element to the meal.
• Salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a balsamic vinaigrette balances out the richness of the cheese-stuffed meatballs.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus make a great side dish that complements the savory flavor of the meatballs.
• Meatball Sub: For a delicious sandwich, place the meatballs in a hoagie roll, top with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella, and bake until golden brown for a mouthwatering meatball sub.

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Conclusion

Cheese Stuffed Meatballs are a savory and indulgent treat that’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. With their flavorful, juicy meat exterior and gooey cheese filling, they are the ultimate comfort food. Whether served with pasta, on their own, or in a meatball sub, these meatballs are versatile, satisfying, and delicious. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can make these cheesy delights at home and enjoy them whenever you like. Happy cooking!