Cheesy Stuffed Meatballs Recipe

📖 Introduction

Cheesy Stuffed Meatballs are a mouthwatering twist on the traditional meatball recipe. Imagine tender, juicy meatballs filled with gooey, melted cheese at the center—every bite gives you a burst of flavor. This dish is perfect for family dinners, parties, or even as a snack. It’s a comforting, hearty meal that combines the richness of meat with the irresistible taste of cheese.

📝 Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

500g ground beef (or mix of beef & pork)
1 cup breadcrumbs
1 large egg
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1 small onion (grated or finely chopped)
2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp paprika
Salt & pepper (to taste)

For the Stuffing:

150g mozzarella cheese (cut into small cubes or balls)
Optional: cheddar, provolone, or gouda for variation

For the Sauce:

2 tbsp olive oil
2 cups tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
1 tsp sugar (to balance acidity)
1 tsp dried basil
½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
Salt & pepper to taste

For Serving:

Freshly grated parmesan
Cooked spaghetti, rice, or fresh bread

👩‍🍳 Instructions

Prepare the Meat Mixture
- In a large bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, onion, parsley, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly combined.
Form the Meatballs
- Take a small portion of the mixture and flatten it in your palm.
- Place a cube of mozzarella cheese in the center.
- Carefully roll and seal into a ball, ensuring no cheese is exposed.
Cook the Meatballs
- Heat olive oil in a skillet. Fry the meatballs until browned on all sides (they don’t need to be fully cooked yet).
Make the Sauce
- In the same skillet, add tomato sauce, basil, sugar, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
Simmer Meatballs in Sauce
- Add the browned meatballs to the sauce. Cover and let simmer for 15–20 minutes until fully cooked and the cheese is melted inside.
Serve & Enjoy
- Plate with spaghetti, rice, or bread. Sprinkle parmesan and fresh parsley on top.

🛠️ Methods

Pan-fry + Simmer: Gives a nice crust and juicy inside.
Oven-bake: Bake meatballs at 190°C (375°F) for 20 minutes, then add to sauce.
Air-fryer method: Cook at 180°C (356°F) for 12–15 minutes, then simmer in sauce.

📜 History

Meatballs have roots in many cultures: Italian polpette, Swedish köttbullar, Middle Eastern kofta, and even Chinese lion’s head meatballs. The cheesy twist likely comes from Italian-American cuisine, where mozzarella became a favorite filling. This recipe blends old traditions with modern indulgence.

🌿 Benefits

Protein-rich: Supports muscle and energy.
Calcium from cheese: Strengthens bones.
Family-friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike.
Customizable: Works with beef, chicken, turkey, or vegetarian substitutes.

🏗️ Formation

Base: seasoned meat mixture.
Heart: a cube of melting cheese.
Structure: sealed into a ball.
Finish: simmered in tomato sauce until tender and flavorful.

❤️ Lovers of this Dish

Cheese lovers who crave melty surprises.
Meatball fans who enjoy classic comfort food.
Families looking for hearty, filling meals.
Romantic dinners where cheesy goodness adds charm.

✅ Conclusion

Cheesy Stuffed Meatballs are more than just a recipe—they’re a fusion of tradition and indulgence. They’re versatile, comforting, and guaranteed to put smiles on faces. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or a loved one, these meatballs are sure to impress.