Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs Recipe
Get ready to fall head over heels for this Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs Recipe! Imagine juicy, flavorful meatballs with a molten, melted cheese center just waiting to surprise you at first bite. Each meatball is seasoned to perfection, simmered in rich marinara sauce, and perfect for sandwiching in subs, twirling with spaghetti, or simply devouring with a fork. Whether these become your go-to family meal or crowd-pleasing party appetizer, they’re about to win over everyone at your table (if you’re willing to share!).
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, everyday ingredients combine to create something truly special in this Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs Recipe. Each component brings its own magic—delivering the perfect bite of savory, herby, cheesy delight. Don’t skip on the details; every item plays a big part!
- Ground Beef (1 pound, 80/20): The heart of these meatballs; using 80/20 blend keeps them extra juicy.
- Ground Pork (½ pound): Adds richness and tender texture, pairing beautifully with beef.
- Breadcrumbs (1 cup): Helps bind everything and soaks up juices for a soft meatball.
- Parmesan Cheese (½ cup, grated): Brings umami and classic Italian flavor.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Infuses every bite with aromatic goodness.
- Dried Oregano (1 teaspoon): Gives that signature Italian herb vibe.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for bringing out all the flavors.
- Black Pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds just the right hint of gentle heat.
- Large Egg (1): Binds the mixture together for meatballs that hold their shape.
- Milk (2 tablespoons): Keeps the meatballs moist and tender.
- Mozzarella Cubes or Cheese Curds (12–16, small): The melty, gooey surprise at the center of each meatball.
- Chopped Parsley (2 tablespoons, optional): A fresh, vibrant pop of color and flavor for garnish.
- Marinara Sauce (2 cups): Simmered with the meatballs, it creates a saucy, comforting finish.
- Olive Oil (1 tablespoon): For browning the outsides and adding a subtle richness.
How to Make Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Meatball Base
Begin by grabbing your largest bowl and tossing in the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, egg, and milk. Mixing by hand works best—just until all the ingredients are evenly combined. Overmixing can make the meatballs dense, so keep it gentle for the most tender results!
Step 2: Shape and Stuff the Meatballs
Divide your meat mixture into 12 to 16 pieces, depending on your preferred size. Take each portion, flatten it gently in your palm, and set a mozzarella cube right in the center. Carefully wrap the meat around the cheese, sealing it completely so none peeks through. Roll gently into a ball—this is where the Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs Recipe gets its fun factor!
Step 3: Brown the Meatballs
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Working in batches if needed, add the stuffed meatballs and brown them on all sides for about 6 to 8 minutes total. This step creates a flavorful crust and locks in the juices, while also making your kitchen smell totally irresistible.
Step 4: Simmer in Sauce
Pour in the marinara sauce, making sure all the meatballs are nestled in comfortably and mostly submerged. Turn the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let everything simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. The magical thing about this Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs Recipe is how the cheese melts right inside as the meatballs cook through, bathing in all that saucy goodness.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
When the meatballs are cooked through (internal temp of 165°F is ideal), sprinkle with chopped parsley for a pop of fresh color if you like. Serve them piping hot, whether over pasta, on a sub roll, or straight from the pan on toothpicks. Every bite delivers that dreamy cheese-pull moment!
How to Serve Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs Recipe
Garnishes
Keep things classic with a shower of chopped fresh parsley or a dusting of extra Parmesan right before serving. If you want to jazz it up, a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes or even a drizzle of high-quality olive oil makes each serving picture-perfect!
Side Dishes
These meatballs absolutely shine over a bed of spaghetti tossed with olive oil, but they also work great with garlic bread or a bright green salad. For an Italian-American comfort feast, try pairing them with roasted veggies or creamy polenta. The possibilities are deliciously endless!
Creative Ways to Present
Want to wow a crowd? Skewer the Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs Recipe with little toothpicks and arrange them on a platter for party apps. Or, tuck them inside toasted sub rolls, smother with extra marinara and mozzarella, and bake for melty meatball subs everyone will crave. Even piling onto a pizza works—think outside the bowl!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra meatballs, simply store them (sauce and all) in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. The flavors actually deepen and get even better after a night’s rest, making that second-day meal something really special.
Freezing
The Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs Recipe is freezer-friendly! Cool the meatballs completely, spread them out on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag or container (with or without sauce). They’ll keep beautifully for up to three months, just waiting for a quick weeknight dinner.
Reheating
To reheat, place chilled or thawed meatballs in a saucepan with extra marinara over low heat until warmed through, or pop them in the microwave for a couple of minutes. If you love that melty cheese effect, reheating gently on the stovetop is your best bet.
FAQs
Can I make this Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs Recipe without pork?
Absolutely! You can swap in all ground beef, or even try ground chicken or turkey for a lighter version. Just know that the flavor and texture will be a bit different (still delicious, just unique to each protein).
Should I use fresh mozzarella or pre-shredded cheese for the filling?
Fresh mozzarella cubes or cheese curds are ideal for that oozy, creamy center, but you can use pre-shredded low-moisture mozzarella in a pinch. Just squeeze it together tightly before stuffing so it melts together instead of separating.
Can I bake the meatballs instead of frying them?
Yes! For a lighter approach, arrange the stuffed meatballs on a greased baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 20–25 minutes, then simmer them in marinara for a few minutes to soak up extra flavor.
What’s the best way to keep the cheese from leaking out?
The trick is to seal the meat mixture really well around the cheese and avoid cracks or holes. If the cheese does sneak out a little, don’t worry—it’ll still taste amazing and you’ll get those tasty, crispy cheese bits in the sauce!
How can I add a spicy kick to the Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs Recipe?
Try mixing some crushed red pepper flakes into the meat mixture or use a spicy marinara sauce for an extra layer of heat. You can even stuff a little pepper jack cheese inside along with the mozzarella for a surprise zing!
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs Recipe a spin in your own kitchen—there’s nothing quite like digging into a plate of meatballs with gooey cheese centers. It’s one of those recipes that’s as much fun to make as it is to eat, perfect for sharing with family or friends. So gather your ingredients, and get ready to make some cheesy, saucy magic happen!
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Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs are a savory delight, featuring a flavorful blend of ground beef and pork, seasoned to perfection and filled with gooey mozzarella for a deliciously cheesy surprise at the center. Simmered in marinara sauce, these meatballs are a comforting and satisfying dish that’s perfect for a cozy dinner.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20)
- ½ pound ground pork
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 12–16 small mozzarella cubes or cheese curds
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional)
For Serving:
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatballs: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, egg, and milk. Mix until just combined—do not overmix.
- Shape the Meatballs: Divide the mixture into 12 to 16 equal portions. Flatten each portion in your hand, place a mozzarella cube in the center, and shape the meat around the cheese to form a sealed meatball.
- Cook the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and brown on all sides, about 6–8 minutes total.
- Simmer in Sauce: Reduce the heat to low, pour in the marinara sauce, cover, and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the meatballs are fully cooked through.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley if desired and serve hot.
Notes
- These meatballs are delicious served over spaghetti, in sub rolls for sandwiches, or as an appetizer with toothpicks.
- For a spicy twist, add crushed red pepper flakes to the meat mixture or use spicy marinara.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3–4 meatballs
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 33 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
