Introduction
Cheese Stuffed Meatballs are the kind of comfort food that instantly brings everyone to the table. Tender, well-seasoned meatballs hide a surprise center of melted cheese that turns every bite into something extra special. I first made these when I wanted to upgrade a classic meatball dinner without adding complicated steps, and they quickly became a family favorite. The contrast between the savory meat exterior and the gooey cheese inside makes these meatballs feel indulgent while still familiar. They work beautifully for weeknight dinners, party appetizers, or even meal prep lunches. Whether served with pasta, tucked into sandwiches, or enjoyed on their own with dipping sauce, Cheese Stuffed Meatballs are versatile, satisfying, and always a crowd pleaser.
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Cheese Stuffed Meatballs – Juicy, Cheesy, and Irresistibly Comforting
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Yield: 12–14 meatballs
- Diet: Halal
Description
Cheese Stuffed Meatballs are juicy, flavorful meatballs filled with melty cheese centers—perfect for pasta dishes, subs, appetizers, or a delicious protein-packed meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 12–14 mozzarella cubes (string cheese pieces work great)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for browning)
- Marinara sauce for serving (optional)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Shape mixture into 12–14 balls.
- Press a mozzarella cube into the center of each ball and seal the meat around it tightly.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and brown the meatballs on all sides.
- Transfer meatballs to a baking dish and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes, or until fully cooked.
- Serve with marinara sauce, pasta, or enjoy as appetizers.
Notes
- Use low-moisture mozzarella to prevent leaking.
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- These freeze well—freeze before baking for easy meal prep.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Main Dish / Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop + Baked
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is easy to prepare, full of flavor, and delivers a fun cheesy surprise in every bite. It is perfect for both casual meals and entertaining, with reliable, comforting results.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ground beef
Ground beef provides a rich, juicy base and classic meatball flavor.
Breadcrumbs
Breadcrumbs help bind the meatballs and keep them tender.
Eggs
Eggs act as a binder and contribute to structure.
Milk
Milk keeps the meat mixture moist and soft.
Parmesan cheese
Parmesan adds savory depth and umami flavor.
Garlic
Garlic enhances the overall savory profile.
Onion
Finely chopped onion adds moisture and sweetness.
Salt
Salt brings out the flavor of the meat and cheese.
Black pepper
Black pepper adds subtle warmth.
Italian seasoning
Italian seasoning provides classic herb flavor.
Mozzarella cheese cubes
Mozzarella creates the melty, gooey center.
Olive oil
Olive oil is used for browning or baking preparation.
Directions
Begin by preheating the oven or heating a skillet, depending on your preferred cooking method. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, Parmesan cheese, garlic, onion, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix gently until just combined.
Scoop a portion of the meat mixture and flatten it slightly in your hand. Place a cube of mozzarella in the center, then wrap the meat around it, sealing completely. Roll into a smooth ball and repeat with the remaining mixture.
Arrange the meatballs on a lined baking sheet or place them carefully into a lightly oiled skillet. Cook until the meatballs are browned on the outside and fully cooked through, with melted cheese inside. Allow them to rest briefly before serving.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes approximately 16 meatballs and serves about 4 people. Preparation time is around 15 minutes, with a cooking time of 20 to 25 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or on the stovetop to preserve the cheesy center. These meatballs can also be frozen for up to 2 months.
Variations and Customizations
Cheese Stuffed Meatballs are easy to customize. Ground turkey or chicken can replace beef for a lighter option. Cheddar, provolone, or pepper jack cheese can be used instead of mozzarella. For extra flavor, add crushed red pepper flakes or smoked paprika to the meat mixture. These meatballs can also be simmered in marinara sauce after baking for an Italian-style dish or served with barbecue sauce for a different twist.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
This recipe is high in protein and contains dairy, eggs, and gluten. It can be adapted using gluten-free breadcrumbs. Nutritional values vary depending on portion size and ingredients used.
Expert Tips & Customizations
Seal the Cheese Well
Ensure the meat fully covers the cheese to prevent leaks.
Do Not Overmix
Gentle mixing keeps meatballs tender.
Let Them Rest
Resting helps the juices redistribute.
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, prepare and refrigerate before cooking.
What cheese works best?
Mozzarella melts best, but others work too.
Can I bake instead of pan-fry?
Yes, baking is easy and less messy.
Do these freeze well?
Yes, freeze cooked or uncooked meatballs.
How do I keep the cheese from leaking?
Seal the meat tightly around the cheese.
Can I make them spicy?
Add chili flakes or spicy cheese.
Are these good for parties?
Yes, they are excellent appetizers.
Can I use store-bought meatballs?
Stuffing works best with homemade.
What sauce pairs well?
Marinara, barbecue, or creamy sauces.
Can kids eat these?
Yes, they are very kid-friendly.
Conclusion
Cheese Stuffed Meatballs are a comforting, satisfying recipe that takes a classic favorite to the next level. Juicy on the outside and irresistibly cheesy on the inside, they are easy to make, versatile, and guaranteed to be a hit whether served for dinner, parties, or special occasions.
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