Welcome to our ultimate cheese-stuffed meatballs recipe! If you’re looking for an easy meatball recipe that will impress your guests and satisfy your cravings, look no further. These homemade meatballs are a delicious twist on the classic favorite, with a gooey surprise in the center – a cheese filling that will leave you wanting more.
Our cheesy meatballs are made with a flavorful blend of ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic, onion, parsley, salt, and pepper. The mixture is shaped into balls, and a cube of mozzarella cheese is pressed into the center of each meatball. When baked to perfection, the cheese melts, creating an irresistible, oozing center.
These meatballs are versatile and can be enjoyed as an appetizer or as part of a main dish. Serve them up with a side of marinara sauce for dipping or add them to a bowl of steaming pasta for a comforting Italian meal. The options are endless, and the result is always mouthwatering.
Whether you’re hosting a gathering, preparing a weeknight dinner, or simply craving something savory, our cheese-stuffed meatballs are the way to go. They’re delicious, savory, and oh-so-satisfying. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds, because this recipe is a game-changer.
Ingredients and Preparation
To make delicious cheese-stuffed meatballs, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ pound ground pork (optional)
- 1 egg
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1 small chopped onion
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
- 4 ounces mozzarella cheese, cut into cubes
- Marinara sauce, for serving
Note: For extra flavor, you can combine the ground beef with Italian sausage.
Once you have the ingredients ready, the preparation is simple:
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork (if using), egg, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped onion, salt, pepper, and chopped parsley.
- Mix the ingredients until well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in dense meatballs.
- Take a portion of the meat mixture and shape it into a ball.
- Press a cube of mozzarella cheese into the center of the meatball and seal the meat around it, ensuring the cheese is fully enclosed.
- Repeat the process until all the meat mixture is used, making sure each meatball has a cheese center.
- Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the cheese is melted and gooey.
These cheese-stuffed meatballs can be served with marinara sauce and spaghetti noodles for a classic Italian meal. Alternatively, you can use them in other recipes that call for meatballs. The cheesy center adds a delightful surprise to every bite!
Tips and Storage
When making cheese-stuffed meatballs, it’s important to follow a few tips to ensure tender and delicious results. First, avoid overmixing the meat mixture. Overmixing can lead to dense and tough meatballs. Instead, gently combine the ingredients until just incorporated.
To make uniform-sized meatballs, use a 4-tablespoon scoop or a spoon to portion the mixture. This will help ensure that each meatball has an equal amount of filling. When shaping the meatballs, press a cube of mozzarella cheese into the center of each one. This will create a delightful surprise of melty cheese when you take a bite.
Once you’ve made your cheese-stuffed meatballs, you might be wondering how to store them. If you plan to enjoy them within the week, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 1 week. If you want to extend their shelf life, you can freeze the meatballs for up to 3 months.
To prevent the meatballs from freezing together in a clump, it’s best to flash freeze them before transferring them to a freezer bag. To do this, place the meatballs in a single layer on a baking tray and freeze them until firm. Once frozen, you can transfer them to a freezer bag or container.
When you’re ready to enjoy your cheese-stuffed meatballs, there are a few ways to reheat them. One option is to microwave the meatballs with a cover to prevent them from drying out. Another option is to simmer them in your favorite marinara sauce until they are heated through. If you prefer a crispy outer texture, you can also air fry the meatballs until they are heated and crisp.
With these tips, you’ll be able to make and store delicious cheese-stuffed meatballs for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer or as part of a main dish, these meatballs are sure to impress your guests with their cheesy goodness.
FAQ
How do I make cheese-stuffed meatballs?
To make cheese-stuffed meatballs, mix together ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic, onion, parsley, salt, and pepper. Shape the mixture into balls and press a cube of mozzarella cheese into the center of each meatball. Bake until cooked through and the cheese is melted. Serve with marinara sauce or use in other recipes.
What ingredients do I need for cheese-stuffed meatballs?
The ingredients for cheese-stuffed meatballs include ground beef, ground pork (optional), egg, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped onion, salt, pepper, parsley, mozzarella cheese, and marinara sauce. For added flavor, you can also use Italian sausage mixed with the ground beef.
Can I prepare cheese-stuffed meatballs in advance?
Yes, you can prepare cheese-stuffed meatballs in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Alternatively, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. To prevent them from freezing in a clump, flash freeze them on a baking tray before transferring to a freezer bag.
How do I store leftover cheese-stuffed meatballs?
To store leftover cheese-stuffed meatballs, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 1 week. If you want to keep them for a longer period, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Flash freeze them on a baking tray before transferring to a freezer bag to prevent them from freezing in a clump.
How do I reheat cheese-stuffed meatballs?
To reheat cheese-stuffed meatballs, you can microwave them with a cover until warmed through. Alternatively, you can simmer them in sauce until heated or air fry them for a crispy outer texture.
How can I ensure tender and flavorful meatballs?
To ensure tender and flavorful meatballs, avoid overmixing the meat mixture. Use a 4-tablespoon scoop or a spoon to portion the mixture and press the cheese into the center of each meatball. This will help retain the juiciness and flavor of the meatballs.
