If you’re looking for a fun and tasty family dinner, look no further than Cheesy Stuffed Meatballs! These meatballs are packed with gooey cheese and flavor, making them a hit with both kids and adults. In this post, I’ll guide you through the ingredients, steps, and tips to create this mouthwatering dish right at home. Let’s dive in and make dinner the best part of your day!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1/2 lb ground chicken
– 1 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 cup mozzarella cheese, diced into small cubes
Seasonings and Extras
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Essentials
– 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
– Olive oil for frying
These ingredients come together to create a dish full of flavor. The blend of ground beef and chicken offers a nice texture. The breadcrumbs help bind everything, making each meatball hold its shape.
Using fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness. Garlic gives a warm, savory note that everyone loves. The Italian seasoning brings a classic taste, perfect for a family meal.
For cooking, I recommend a good quality marinara sauce. It adds depth and pairs well with the meatballs. Olive oil is essential for frying. It adds flavor and helps achieve a nice, golden crust.
This list of ingredients is the key to making your Cheesy Stuffed Meatballs shine. For the complete recipe, you can refer to the [Full Recipe].
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation
– In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, minced garlic, onion powder, Italian seasoning, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything blends together.
– Take a portion of this mixture, about the size of a golf ball. Flatten it slightly in your hand.
– Place a cube of mozzarella cheese in the center. Cover the cheese with the meat mixture and roll it into a ball. Make sure the cheese is sealed inside.
– Continue this process until you form about 12 to 15 meatballs.
Cooking Process
– Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the meatballs. Brown them on all sides for about 5 to 7 minutes.
– After browning, pour the marinara sauce over the meatballs. Cover the skillet and lower the heat. Let it simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. This allows the flavors to mix and the cheese to melt.
Final Steps
– Once done, remove the skillet from heat and let the meatballs rest for a few minutes.
– Serve the meatballs warm with extra marinara sauce on top. Enjoy with pasta, bread, or a fresh salad!
Tips & Tricks
Ensuring Flavorful Meatballs
To make these meatballs pop with flavor, use fresh herbs. I love fresh parsley, but you can add basil or oregano too. Season well with salt and pepper. Use about one teaspoon of each for best taste. For the meat blend, I like to mix ground beef and ground chicken. This mix gives a nice texture and rich flavor.
Keeping Cheese Melting Inside
Sealing the cheese is key. After you flatten the meat, place the cheese in the center. Then, wrap the meat around the cheese tightly. This keeps it from leaking out while cooking. You can use mozzarella, but other cheeses work too. Try cheddar or gouda for a twist.
Cooking Tips
For frying, use medium heat. If the oil is too hot, the meatballs burn. A good test is to drop a small piece of meat into the oil. If it sizzles, you are ready. Use a heavy skillet for even cooking. A cast-iron skillet is perfect for this dish.
For more detailed steps, check the Full Recipe.
Variations
Cheese Variations
You can switch up the cheese for a new taste. Try using cheddar or gouda. These cheeses give a nice twist to the dish. If you need dairy-free options, look for vegan cheese. Many brands offer great melts for your meatballs.
Meat Variations
Feel free to change the meat for your meatballs. Turkey or pork works well as substitutes for beef. These options can lighten the dish without losing flavor. Want to add more taste? Try mixing in some chopped bacon. It adds a tasty, smoky flavor that many love.
Sauce Variations
While marinara sauce is a classic, you can create your own. A homemade marinara can be richer and more personal. You can also use barbecue or teriyaki sauce for a fun twist. These sauces bring a unique sweetness that pairs well with the meatballs. For the full recipe, check out the main article.
Storage Info
Storing Leftover Meatballs
To keep your cheesy stuffed meatballs fresh, store them correctly. Place leftover meatballs in an airtight container. This helps prevent them from drying out. You can keep them in the fridge for up to three days. Be sure to let them cool before sealing.
For long-term storage, you can freeze the meatballs. First, let them cool completely. Then, lay them out on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about two hours. After that, transfer the meatballs to a freezer-safe bag. They will last for about three months in the freezer.
Reheating Guidelines
When it’s time to enjoy your leftovers, reheating them right is key. The best methods include using an oven or a skillet. If using an oven, preheat it to 350°F. Place the meatballs on a baking tray and cover them with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes until warm.
If you prefer a skillet, add a bit of marinara sauce to keep them moist. Heat on medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, turning them gently. This ensures they stay juicy and full of flavor.
Shelf Life
Knowing when to discard leftovers is important. If meatballs smell off or have a strange texture, it’s best to throw them away. In the fridge, they are safe for about three days. In the freezer, they can last for about three months. Always label your containers with the date to keep track. This practice helps you enjoy your cheesy stuffed meatballs at their best.
FAQs
What are Cheesy Stuffed Meatballs?
Cheesy stuffed meatballs are flavorful bites made with ground meats and gooey cheese. I mix ground beef and ground chicken for the best taste. I add breadcrumbs, garlic, and herbs for flavor. Each meatball hides a cube of mozzarella that melts as it cooks. They soak in marinara sauce, making them extra yummy. This dish is perfect for family dinners and gatherings. You can find the full recipe below.
Can I make Cheesy Stuffed Meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare these meatballs in advance. Mix the meat and cheese mixture, then form the meatballs. Place them on a baking tray and cover with plastic wrap. You can store them in the fridge for one day or freeze them for later use. If frozen, they can last for up to three months. Just thaw them in the fridge before cooking.
How do I know when the meatballs are cooked through?
Check the meatballs by cutting one in half. The center should no longer be pink. You can also use a meat thermometer. The inside temperature needs to reach 165°F (74°C). Once done, the cheese should be gooey and melty.
Are there gluten-free options for this recipe?
Yes, you can easily make gluten-free cheesy stuffed meatballs. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of regular ones. Many stores sell them, or you can make your own from gluten-free bread. This way, everyone can enjoy these tasty meatballs!
In this post, we covered how to make cheesy stuffed meatballs. We explored the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips to ensure great flavor. I shared different meat and cheese options, as well as variations for sauces. Don’t forget about the best ways to store and reheat your delicious meatballs.
With these tips, you can create tasty meatballs that everyone will love. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
![- 1 lb ground beef - 1/2 lb ground chicken - 1 cup breadcrumbs - 1 cup mozzarella cheese, diced into small cubes - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce - Olive oil for frying These ingredients come together to create a dish full of flavor. The blend of ground beef and chicken offers a nice texture. The breadcrumbs help bind everything, making each meatball hold its shape. Using fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness. Garlic gives a warm, savory note that everyone loves. The Italian seasoning brings a classic taste, perfect for a family meal. For cooking, I recommend a good quality marinara sauce. It adds depth and pairs well with the meatballs. Olive oil is essential for frying. It adds flavor and helps achieve a nice, golden crust. This list of ingredients is the key to making your Cheesy Stuffed Meatballs shine. For the complete recipe, you can refer to the [Full Recipe]. - In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, minced garlic, onion powder, Italian seasoning, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything blends together. - Take a portion of this mixture, about the size of a golf ball. Flatten it slightly in your hand. - Place a cube of mozzarella cheese in the center. Cover the cheese with the meat mixture and roll it into a ball. Make sure the cheese is sealed inside. - Continue this process until you form about 12 to 15 meatballs. - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the meatballs. Brown them on all sides for about 5 to 7 minutes. - After browning, pour the marinara sauce over the meatballs. Cover the skillet and lower the heat. Let it simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. This allows the flavors to mix and the cheese to melt. - Once done, remove the skillet from heat and let the meatballs rest for a few minutes. - Serve the meatballs warm with extra marinara sauce on top. Enjoy with pasta, bread, or a fresh salad! To make these meatballs pop with flavor, use fresh herbs. I love fresh parsley, but you can add basil or oregano too. Season well with salt and pepper. Use about one teaspoon of each for best taste. For the meat blend, I like to mix ground beef and ground chicken. This mix gives a nice texture and rich flavor. Sealing the cheese is key. After you flatten the meat, place the cheese in the center. Then, wrap the meat around the cheese tightly. This keeps it from leaking out while cooking. You can use mozzarella, but other cheeses work too. Try cheddar or gouda for a twist. For frying, use medium heat. If the oil is too hot, the meatballs burn. A good test is to drop a small piece of meat into the oil. If it sizzles, you are ready. Use a heavy skillet for even cooking. A cast-iron skillet is perfect for this dish. For more detailed steps, check the Full Recipe. {{image_2}} You can switch up the cheese for a new taste. Try using cheddar or gouda. These cheeses give a nice twist to the dish. If you need dairy-free options, look for vegan cheese. Many brands offer great melts for your meatballs. Feel free to change the meat for your meatballs. Turkey or pork works well as substitutes for beef. These options can lighten the dish without losing flavor. Want to add more taste? Try mixing in some chopped bacon. It adds a tasty, smoky flavor that many love. While marinara sauce is a classic, you can create your own. A homemade marinara can be richer and more personal. You can also use barbecue or teriyaki sauce for a fun twist. These sauces bring a unique sweetness that pairs well with the meatballs. For the full recipe, check out the main article. To keep your cheesy stuffed meatballs fresh, store them correctly. Place leftover meatballs in an airtight container. This helps prevent them from drying out. You can keep them in the fridge for up to three days. Be sure to let them cool before sealing. For long-term storage, you can freeze the meatballs. First, let them cool completely. Then, lay them out on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about two hours. After that, transfer the meatballs to a freezer-safe bag. They will last for about three months in the freezer. When it's time to enjoy your leftovers, reheating them right is key. The best methods include using an oven or a skillet. If using an oven, preheat it to 350°F. Place the meatballs on a baking tray and cover them with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes until warm. If you prefer a skillet, add a bit of marinara sauce to keep them moist. Heat on medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, turning them gently. This ensures they stay juicy and full of flavor. Knowing when to discard leftovers is important. If meatballs smell off or have a strange texture, it's best to throw them away. In the fridge, they are safe for about three days. In the freezer, they can last for about three months. Always label your containers with the date to keep track. This practice helps you enjoy your cheesy stuffed meatballs at their best. Cheesy stuffed meatballs are flavorful bites made with ground meats and gooey cheese. I mix ground beef and ground chicken for the best taste. I add breadcrumbs, garlic, and herbs for flavor. Each meatball hides a cube of mozzarella that melts as it cooks. They soak in marinara sauce, making them extra yummy. This dish is perfect for family dinners and gatherings. You can find the full recipe below. Yes, you can prepare these meatballs in advance. Mix the meat and cheese mixture, then form the meatballs. Place them on a baking tray and cover with plastic wrap. You can store them in the fridge for one day or freeze them for later use. If frozen, they can last for up to three months. Just thaw them in the fridge before cooking. Check the meatballs by cutting one in half. The center should no longer be pink. You can also use a meat thermometer. The inside temperature needs to reach 165°F (74°C). Once done, the cheese should be gooey and melty. Yes, you can easily make gluten-free cheesy stuffed meatballs. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of regular ones. Many stores sell them, or you can make your own from gluten-free bread. This way, everyone can enjoy these tasty meatballs! In this post, we covered how to make cheesy stuffed meatballs. We explored the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips to ensure great flavor. I shared different meat and cheese options, as well as variations for sauces. Don't forget about the best ways to store and reheat your delicious meatballs. With these tips, you can create tasty meatballs that everyone will love. Enjoy your cooking adventure!](https://mycookingcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/2ee77e9d-d7bc-42ed-9bfd-fc6052cb77a4-250x250.webp)