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- 1 lb ground beef - 1/2 lb ground chicken - 1 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 cup mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes - Salt and freshly ground black pepper - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon onion powder For cheesy stuffed meatballs, choose quality ingredients. Fresh ground meat gives the best taste. I like a mix of beef and chicken for richness and moisture. Breadcrumbs hold everything together and add a nice texture. Look for Italian-seasoned ones if you want extra flavor. Cheese is the star of this dish. Use mozzarella for its gooey melt. A sprinkle of Parmesan adds a savory kick. Don't forget to season well with salt and black pepper. Fresh parsley brightens the dish and makes it look pretty. Garlic brings depth, while onion powder adds sweetness. You can find the full recipe at the end. Enjoy gathering these ingredients! First, mix the meat and seasonings. In a large bowl, add 1 lb of ground beef and 1/2 lb of ground chicken. Next, sprinkle in 1 cup of breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and 1/4 cup of finely chopped parsley. Then, add 2 cloves of minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Don’t forget to crack in 1 large egg. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Use your hands to mix everything well. Make sure all the ingredients blend evenly. Now, it’s time to shape the meatballs. Take a handful of the meat mixture, about the size of a golf ball. Gently flatten it in your palm. For the cheesy surprise, place a small cube of mozzarella cheese in the center of the flattened meat. Carefully wrap the meat around the cheese. Roll it back into a ball shape, ensuring the cheese is fully enclosed. Repeat this until you have around 12-15 stuffed meatballs. Start cooking by browning the meatballs in olive oil. Heat a generous drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, add the meatballs to the skillet. Sear them for about 5-7 minutes. Turn occasionally so they get a nice golden-brown crust on all sides. Next, simmer the meatballs in marinara sauce. After browning, carefully pour 1 jar of marinara sauce over the meatballs. Lower the heat, cover the skillet, and let them simmer for 15-20 minutes. This step helps the flavors mix and the cheese melt into gooey perfection. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe. To keep your meatballs moist, use a mix of ground beef and ground chicken. The chicken adds juiciness. You can also add a bit of milk to the mix. This will help keep the meatballs tender. For seasoning, taste your mixture before cooking. If you want more flavor, add more garlic or Italian herbs. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick. For crispy exteriors, heat your olive oil until it shimmers. This means it’s hot enough to brown the meatballs well. Don't overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed. To ensure even cooking, turn the meatballs gently every few minutes. This way, all sides get that lovely golden color. Simmer the meatballs in marinara sauce after browning. This step helps them cook through while soaking in flavor. Garnish your cheesy stuffed meatballs with chopped parsley and grated Parmesan. This adds a fresh look and taste. For side dishes, serve them with crusty bread or a side of spaghetti. A simple green salad can also balance the meal nicely. For more ideas, check out the Full Recipe for variations! {{image_4}} You can change the meats in cheesy stuffed meatballs. Ground beef works great, but you can also use ground chicken. If you want a leaner option, try ground turkey. It will still taste good and stay moist. Pork is another tasty choice. Each type of meat adds a unique flavor. Feel free to mix two types of meat, like beef and pork. This mix can make your meatballs even better. The cheese inside these meatballs is important. Mozzarella is classic, but you can switch it up. Try using cheddar for a sharper taste. Feta cheese adds a nice tang. If you want something different, use pepper jack for a spicy kick. To add more flavor, mix herbs into the cheese. Try basil or oregano for a fresh touch. You can also add garlic to the cheese for extra zest. If you need a gluten-free option, replace regular breadcrumbs. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice cereal. Both work well and keep the meatballs tender. For lower-calorie meatballs, use less cheese or leaner meats. You can also skip the breadcrumbs entirely and use oats instead. This will cut calories and add fiber. These adjustments help you enjoy this dish, no matter your diet. For the full recipe, check out the Cheesy Stuffed Meatballs section! Leftovers from cheesy stuffed meatballs last about 3-4 days in the fridge. To store them, place the meatballs in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and prevents any odors. When you're ready to eat, just reheat them in the microwave or on the stove. You can freeze cooked meatballs for later use. First, let them cool completely. Then, arrange the meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about an hour. After that, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Be sure to remove as much air as possible. For reheating, you can thaw them in the fridge overnight. Then, heat them gently in a skillet with some marinara sauce. This keeps them tasty and moist. If you want quick meals, make meatballs in advance. You can prepare them up to a day before cooking. Just form the meatballs and place them on a tray. Cover the tray with plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. This way, you can cook them when you’re ready. For pre-cooking storage, you can also freeze the formed meatballs. Just follow the freezing steps mentioned earlier. This makes dinner easy on busy nights. For the full recipe, check out the details above. To ensure your meatballs are safe to eat, check the internal temperature. Use a meat thermometer. The safe temperature for ground beef and chicken is 165°F (75°C). When the meatballs reach this temperature, they are fully cooked. Check the center of one meatball to confirm. If it’s not quite there, let them cook a bit longer. Yes, you can bake these meatballs. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 20-25 minutes. You may want to flip them halfway through for even cooking. Baking is a healthier option and keeps the kitchen cool. Marinara sauce is a classic choice. It complements the cheesy flavors well. You can also try Alfredo or a spicy arrabbiata sauce. For a twist, make a garlic butter sauce. Each sauce adds a unique taste to your meatballs. Feel free to experiment and find your favorite! To add heat, mix in red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños. You can also use spicy sausage instead of regular ground meat. Another option is to serve the meatballs with a hot sauce on the side. Adjust the spice level to your liking, making each bite exciting. You can use pre-seasoned meat for convenience. However, be cautious with the flavors. Pre-made options can be saltier or spicier than you expect. Check the ingredients and adjust your seasonings in the recipe. This way, you control the taste while saving time. You’ve learned how to make cheesy stuffed meatballs from scratch. We covered the best ingredients and cooking methods. We also shared tips to perfect texture and flavor. Now you’re ready to create delicious meatballs your family will love. Remember, there are many ways to customize this recipe to suit your taste. Enjoy your cooking journey and impress everyone with your homemade cheesy stuffed meatballs.

Cheesy Stuffed Meatballs

Get ready to indulge in cheesy stuffed meatballs that are sure to impress! This easy recipe combines ground beef and chicken with gooey mozzarella cheese for a delightful twist. Perfect for dinner or a cozy gathering, these meatballs simmered in marinara sauce are a crowd-pleaser. Click to explore the full recipe, tips for perfecting your meatballs, and serving suggestions that will make your meal unforgettable!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb ground beef

1/2 lb ground chicken

1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Italian seasoned)

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1 large egg

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

1 cup mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes

1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce

Olive oil for frying

Instructions
 

Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the ground beef and ground chicken. Sprinkle in the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, minced garlic, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and the egg. Season generously with salt and pepper. Using your hands or a spoon, mix everything thoroughly until the ingredients are well incorporated.

    Form the Meatballs: Take a handful of the meat mixture, roughly the size of a golf ball. Gently flatten it in the palm of your hand.

      Stuff with Cheese: Place a small cube of mozzarella cheese in the center of the flattened meat. Carefully wrap the meat around the cheese, rolling it back into a ball shape, ensuring the cheese is completely enclosed within the meat.

        Repeat: Continue this process until all the meat mixture has been formed into approximately 12-15 stuffed meatballs.

          Brown the Meatballs: Heat a generous drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the meatballs to the skillet. Sear them for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally to achieve an even golden-brown crust on all sides.

            Simmer in Sauce: Once browned, carefully pour the marinara sauce over the meatballs. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the meatballs simmer for 15-20 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld beautifully and the mozzarella to melt into gooey perfection.

              Rest and Serve: After simmering, remove the skillet from heat and let the meatballs rest for a few minutes. This resting step helps the cheese set slightly for easier serving.

                - Presentation Tips: Serve the cheesy stuffed meatballs hot on a large platter, garnished with additional chopped parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. A side of crusty bread or spaghetti can enhance the meal even further. Enjoy!

                  Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4