Cheese Stuffed Meatballs

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Elevate your dinner game with our irresistible Cheese Stuffed Meatballs recipe. Bursting with gooey mozzarella cheese encased in seasoned ground beef and Italian sausage, these meatballs are a flavor explosion waiting to happen. Paired with warm marinara sauce, they promise a comforting meal that will leave everyone craving for more.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound lean ground beef (93%-7% fat)
  • ½ pound ground mild Italian sausage
  • 1 large egg
  • ⅓ cup breadcrumbs
  • ⅓ cup grated parmesan cheese (plus additional 1-2 tablespoons for garnish)
  • ⅓ cup finely diced yellow onion
  • 2 tablespoons half & half
  • 2 teaspoons grated garlic
  • 1 ½ teaspoons dried Italian seasoning blend
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 15 cubes (3/4-inch) mozzarella cheese
  • 24 ounce jar of tomato & basil marinara sauce
  • 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley (optional garnish)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil and lightly spray with olive oil cooking spray.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the lean ground beef, mild Italian sausage, egg, breadcrumbs, grated parmesan cheese, diced yellow onion, half & half, grated garlic, Italian seasoning blend, salt, and black pepper. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated, ensuring not to overmix.
  3. Using a 2-inch-sized cookie scoop, portion out the meat mixture into 15 equal portions. Flatten each portion into a disc shape and place a mozzarella cheese cube in the center. Gently fold the sides of the meat mixture over the cheese, forming it into a ball shape.
  4. Arrange the stuffed meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each meatball.
  5. Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
  6. While the meatballs are baking, heat the marinara sauce in a medium skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally.
  7. Once the meatballs are done, remove them from the oven and let them rest for about five minutes.
  8. To serve, spoon some warm marinara sauce onto a serving plate, arrange the meatballs on top, and drizzle with additional sauce. Garnish with grated parmesan cheese and fresh chopped parsley if desired.
  9. Enjoy these delectable Cheese Stuffed Meatballs as a hearty main course, and savor every bite!

Prep Time: 25 minutes Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes Total Time: 45-50 minutes Servings: 15 meatballs

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving Tips:

  1. Serve these Cheese Stuffed Meatballs as a main course alongside your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti or fettuccine, for a classic Italian-inspired meal.
  2. For a low-carb option, serve the meatballs over a bed of zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
  3. Pair the meatballs with a crisp green salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish.
  4. Garnish the meatballs with fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for an extra burst of flavor and color.

Storage Tips:

  1. Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  2. To freeze the meatballs, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the meatballs to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 2-3 months.
  3. Thaw frozen meatballs overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  4. Reheat leftover meatballs in a microwave-safe dish with a splash of marinara sauce, or warm them in a skillet over low heat until heated through.
  5. Avoid reheating the meatballs in the oven, as they may become dry.

Variations:

  1. Cheese Blend: Experiment with different types of cheese for the stuffing, such as sharp cheddar, smoked gouda, or creamy brie, to add unique flavors to your meatballs.
  2. Spicy Kick: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, mix some finely chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes into the meat mixture for a spicy twist.
  3. Mushroom Medley: Add finely chopped mushrooms to the meat mixture for extra moisture and earthy flavor. You can also stuff the meatballs with a mixture of mushrooms and cheese for a vegetarian-friendly option.
  4. Herb Infusion: Customize the seasoning blend by adding fresh herbs like chopped basil, oregano, or thyme to the meat mixture for a burst of freshness.
  5. Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers instead of traditional breadcrumbs to make the meatballs suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
  6. Turkey Variation: Swap out the ground beef and Italian sausage for lean ground turkey to create a lighter version of the recipe without sacrificing flavor.
  7. Asian Fusion: Infuse the meatballs with Asian-inspired flavors by adding ingredients like soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil to the meat mixture. Stuff them with a piece of mozzarella cheese and serve with a sweet and sour dipping sauce.
  8. Mini Meatballs: Make smaller meatballs for bite-sized appetizers or party snacks. Simply adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure they are cooked through.
  9. Greek Twist: Incorporate Mediterranean flavors by seasoning the meat mixture with dried oregano, garlic powder, and lemon zest. Stuff the meatballs with feta cheese cubes and serve with tzatziki sauce for dipping.
  10. Stuffed Peppers: Instead of forming the meat mixture into meatballs, stuff hollowed-out bell peppers with the seasoned meat and cheese mixture. Bake until the peppers are tender and the filling is cooked through for a satisfying stuffed pepper dish.

FAQs :

  1. Can I use different types of cheese for stuffing the meatballs?
    • Yes, absolutely! Feel free to experiment with various cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or even blue cheese for different flavor profiles.
  2. How do I prevent the cheese from oozing out of the meatballs while baking?
    • Make sure to seal the meat mixture tightly around the cheese cube to prevent leakage. Additionally, avoid overhandling the meatballs to maintain their shape during baking.
  3. Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
    • Yes, you can prepare the meatballs in advance and refrigerate them until ready to bake. Alternatively, you can freeze the unbaked meatballs for future use.
  4. What can I serve with cheese stuffed meatballs besides pasta?
    • These meatballs pair well with a variety of sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread for soaking up the marinara sauce.
  5. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
    • Yes, you can omit the ground beef and Italian sausage and replace them with a mixture of cooked quinoa, black beans, and finely chopped vegetables for a vegetarian-friendly version.
  6. Can I use turkey sausage instead of Italian sausage?
    • Yes, turkey sausage can be substituted for Italian sausage if you prefer a leaner option. Just make sure to season the meat mixture accordingly to maintain flavor.
  7. How do I know when the meatballs are fully cooked?
    • The meatballs are done when they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) as measured with a meat thermometer, and the juices run clear.
  8. Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?
    • Yes, store-bought marinara sauce works perfectly fine for this recipe. However, feel free to use homemade marinara sauce if you prefer.

With their melty cheese centers and savory flavors, these Cheese Stuffed Meatballs are sure to be a hit at your dinner table. Simple to make yet incredibly satisfying, they’re perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Try them out and get ready to indulge in pure culinary delight!