If you’re looking to upgrade your next party spread or crave a seriously addictive snack, meet Fried Cheesy Ground Beef Balls. Crispy on the outside, juicy and tender on the inside with gooey pockets of cheddar, these little bites are the definition of irresistible. It’s a recipe that balances savory meat, creamy cheese, and a perfectly crunchy coating—ideal for family gatherings, game nights, or just when you want to treat yourself to something a little over the top.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient here plays a crucial role, so don’t be tempted to skip or substitute unless you have to! The simple lineup below ensures the perfect blend of flavor, texture, and that signature golden crust we love in Fried Cheesy Ground Beef Balls.
- Ground beef: Pick an 80/20 blend for beefy flavor and juicy, tender bites.
- Breadcrumbs (for the mixture): These help bind everything together for a meatball that holds its shape.
- Large egg: Essential for binding and lending a richer texture.
- Garlic powder: It adds a subtle savory background, enhancing every bite.
- Onion powder: Gives mild oniony sweetness and rounds out the flavor profile.
- Salt: Brings out all the other flavors; don’t be shy here!
- Black pepper: Adds just a touch of warmth and balance.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: The gooey, molten heart of each ball—sharp cheddar works best.
- Chopped parsley (optional): For a splash of color and freshness.
- All-purpose flour: The first step to a satisfyingly crispy shell.
- Eggs (for dredging): Make sure your coating sticks like a dream.
- Seasoned breadcrumbs (for coating): Delivers that golden, crunchy finish—Italian-style or plain both work well.
- Vegetable oil: Perfect for frying, as it has a neutral flavor and high smoke point.
How to Make Fried Cheesy Ground Beef Balls
Step 1: Mix the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, add your ground beef, 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, one egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, shredded cheddar, and parsley if you’re using it. Don’t be afraid to get in there with clean hands—the key to tender balls is to blend until just combined without over-mixing. This keeps everything juicy and flavorful, ensuring that classic Fried Cheesy Ground Beef Balls bite.
Step 2: Shape the Balls
Take about a tablespoon and a half of the mixture (think golf ball size) and roll it gently between your palms to form a ball. Place each one on a parchment-lined tray as you go. If you want a little cheesy surprise, tuck a small cube of mozzarella into the center before rolling—this takes them over the top!
Step 3: Set Up Your Coating Station
This step is a bit like a mini assembly line. Set out three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with seasoned breadcrumbs. This trio will transform your beef balls into golden, crispy spheres that make Fried Cheesy Ground Beef Balls so memorable.
Step 4: Dredge and Coat
Roll each beef ball in flour, ensuring it’s coated on all sides. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, letting any excess drip off. Finally, roll it in the seasoned breadcrumbs, pressing gently to make sure the coating sticks well. This step is what gives you that signature crunch in every bite.
Step 5: Fry to Perfection
Pour about two inches of vegetable oil into a deep skillet or pot and heat it over medium-high, aiming for 350°F. Fry the balls in batches—don’t overcrowd the pan—turning occasionally for even browning. After 3–4 minutes, they should be deep golden and fully cooked. Transfer each batch to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
How to Serve Fried Cheesy Ground Beef Balls
Garnishes
A little flourish goes a long way. Scatter over more chopped parsley or chives right before serving for a pop of color and a hint of freshness. If you want an extra hit of cheesy goodness, a light dusting of finely grated parmesan gives Fried Cheesy Ground Beef Balls an irresistible finish. And don’t forget a bowl of your favorite dipping sauce—think marinara, ranch, or spicy aioli.
Side Dishes
For a casual feast, pair these crispy balls with classic sides like roasted potato wedges, coleslaw, or a simple green salad. They’re perfect as a party appetizer alongside chips and dips, but you can also build a platter with pickles, cherry tomatoes, and olives for a fun, tapas-style spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Thread a Fried Cheesy Ground Beef Ball onto skewers with roasted veggies for a tempting kebab, or nestle a few in slider buns with lettuce and tomato for irresistible mini sandwiches. For cocktail parties, stack them high on a platter with colorful toothpicks—easy for guests to grab and impossible to resist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow have leftovers, let them cool completely and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Their crispy shell may soften a bit, but they’ll still taste fantastic, especially when reheated properly.
Freezing
Fried Cheesy Ground Beef Balls freeze surprisingly well. Arrange cooled balls on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to two months. For best texture, reheat them straight from frozen—no need to thaw first.
Reheating
To reclaim that signature crunch, reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes (a few minutes more if frozen), or air fry until hot and crispy. Avoid microwaving if you can—the coating may turn soggy, and these balls deserve their crispy exterior!
FAQs
Can I use a different type Appetizer
Absolutely! Cheddar is classic, but mozzarella, pepper jack, or gouda all melt beautifully and bring their own flair. Just make sure it’s a good melting cheese to keep that gooey center.
What dipping sauces pair best?
Marinara or ranch are always crowd-pleasers, but try spicy mayo or even a smoky barbecue sauce for a twist. The sauce is half the fun, so experiment!
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes! For a lighter version, arrange them on a greased baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through. They’ll be a little less crispy, but still plenty delicious.
How do I keep the cheese from leaking out during frying?
Make sure your balls are tightly packed and fully sealed, especially if stuffing with cheese cubes. A thorough breading helps contain the gooey goodness, so don’t rush the coating step!
Are Fried Cheesy Ground Beef Balls gluten-free?
As written, they aren’t, but you can easily swap in gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour to fit your needs. Everything else stays the same, so you can enjoy these little treats without compromise.
Final Thoughts
There’s something special about watching a platter of Fried Cheesy Ground Beef Balls disappear faster than you can say their name! Whether you’re making them for a gathering or just because you want to savor something incredible, don’t hesitate—get those hands mixing, and enjoy every cheesy, crunchy bite.
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Fried Cheesy Ground Beef Balls Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 20–24 balls 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Fried Cheesy Ground Beef Balls are a delicious appetizer or snack perfect for parties. They are packed with flavor from the seasoned breadcrumbs, cheddar cheese, and a hint of garlic and onion. Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, these cheesy meatballs are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
For the Beef Balls:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley (optional)
For Coating:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 1/2 cups seasoned breadcrumbs
For Frying:
- Vegetable oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef Balls: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, shredded cheese, and parsley. Mix well and roll into balls.
- Dredge and Coat: Set up a dredging station with flour, beaten eggs, and seasoned breadcrumbs. Roll each beef ball in flour, dip in egg, then coat in breadcrumbs.
- Fry: Heat oil in a skillet, fry the beef balls in batches until golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve: Drain on paper towels and serve hot.
Notes
- For extra cheesiness, stuff each ball with a small cube of mozzarella.
- These can also be baked at 400°F for 15–20 minutes for a lighter version.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 balls
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 360mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
