Cheese Stuffed Meatballs

Introduction:

Elevate your meatball game with our tantalizing Cheese Stuffed Meatballs recipe! Bursting with savory flavors and oozing with melted cheese, these delectable meatballs are sure to become a new family favorite. Whether served as a crowd-pleasing appetizer, a comforting dinner entrée, or atop a bed of pasta, these cheese-stuffed wonders are guaranteed to satisfy your cravings and leave you wanting more. In this article, we’ll explore the allure of cheese-stuffed meatballs, unravel the secrets to creating them, and provide you with a step-by-step guide to mastering this irresistible dish.

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

Serving Tips:

1. Appetizer Perfection: Serve Cheese Stuffed Meatballs as a delightful appetizer at your next gathering or party. Arrange them on a platter with toothpicks for easy serving, and provide marinara sauce on the side for dipping. Your guests will love the surprise of melted cheese inside each meatball!
2. Main Course Marvel: Transform Cheese Stuffed Meatballs into a satisfying main course by serving them atop a bed of cooked pasta, such as spaghetti or linguine, tossed in marinara sauce. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for an extra burst of flavor.
3. Creative Presentation: Get creative with your presentation by serving Cheese Stuffed Meatballs in individual serving dishes, such as mini skillets or ramekins. Top each meatball with a dollop of marinara sauce and a sprinkle of shredded cheese for an appetizing display.
4. Side Dish Suggestions: Accompany Cheese Stuffed Meatballs with a variety of side dishes to round out the meal. Garlic bread, a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or creamy mashed potatoes all make excellent accompaniments that complement the flavors of the meatballs.

Storage Tips:

1. Refrigerate Leftovers: If you have leftover Cheese Stuffed Meatballs, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Be sure to allow the meatballs to cool completely before refrigerating to prevent condensation from forming and making them soggy.
2. Reheat with Care: When reheating leftover meatballs, use a microwave, oven, or stovetop. For microwave reheating, place the meatballs in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture, and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or on the stovetop in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or marinara sauce to prevent drying out.
3. Freeze for Future Enjoyment: Cheese Stuffed Meatballs can also be frozen for longer storage. Arrange the cooked and cooled meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until firm. Once frozen, transfer the meatballs to a resealable freezer bag or container, separating them with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw the meatballs overnight in the refrigerator and follow the reheating instructions above.

FAQs:

1. Can I use different types of cheese for stuffing the meatballs? Absolutely! You can customize your Cheese Stuffed Meatballs by using your favorite cheeses. Popular options include mozzarella, cheddar, provolone, or even blue cheese for a more robust flavor. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses to suit your taste preferences.
2. How do I prevent the cheese from oozing out of the meatballs during cooking? To prevent the cheese from oozing out of the meatballs while cooking, make sure to fully encase the cheese cube within the meat mixture. Press the meat mixture firmly around the cheese to seal it inside. Additionally, avoid overfilling the meatballs with cheese to prevent leakage during cooking.
3. Can I prepare Cheese Stuffed Meatballs ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare Cheese Stuffed Meatballs ahead of time for convenience. Simply assemble the meatballs with the cheese filling, arrange them on a baking sheet, and refrigerate them, covered, until ready to cook. This allows you to pre-portion the meatballs and streamline the cooking process when you’re ready to serve.
4. Can I bake Cheese Stuffed Meatballs instead of frying them? Yes, you can bake Cheese Stuffed Meatballs instead of frying them for a healthier cooking method. Arrange the assembled meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through and golden brown. Baking offers a convenient hands-off approach and reduces the amount of oil needed for cooking.
5. How do I know when the meatballs are cooked through? The meatballs are cooked through when they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for beef, pork, or lamb, and 165°F (74°C) for poultry. Use a meat thermometer inserted into the center of a meatball to ensure it has reached the correct temperature. Additionally, the meatballs should be firm to the touch and no longer pink in the center when fully cooked.