Description
These Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs are a delicious and comforting dish featuring juicy ground beef and pork meatballs filled with gooey mozzarella cheese and topped with melted cheddar. Baked to perfection, they make a perfect appetizer or main course that’s easy to prepare and guaranteed to impress.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatball Mixture
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1/2 lb (225g) ground pork (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Cheeses
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese cubes (for stuffing)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)
Garnish
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent the meatballs from sticking.
- Prepare Meatball Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork (if using), breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until well combined but avoid overworking the meat to keep the meatballs tender.
- Form the Meatballs: Take about 2 tablespoons of the meat mixture and flatten it in your hand. Place a cube of mozzarella cheese in the center, then carefully fold the meat around the cheese, sealing it completely. Roll it into a smooth ball. Repeat with the remaining meat mixture and cheese cubes.
- Bake the Meatballs: Arrange the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes or until the meatballs are cooked through and the mozzarella cheese inside has melted.
- Add Cheddar Cheese: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of each meatball. Return the meatballs to the oven for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the cheddar cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Once the cheddar cheese has melted, take the meatballs out of the oven. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve the meatballs hot as an appetizer or main dish and enjoy their cheesy, savory goodness.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can substitute some or all of the ground pork with ground veal or turkey.
- If you prefer a milder taste, omit the smoked paprika or adjust the amount according to your preference.
- Make sure to seal the mozzarella cubes fully inside the meatballs to prevent cheese from leaking during baking.
- Leftover meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
- You can serve these meatballs with pasta, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
