Tender Cheese-Stuffed Baked Meatballs

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These meatballs are an absolute treat. The juicy beef is combined with aromatic seasonings like oregano, garlic, and onion powder, and then stuffed with fresh mozzarella, which melts into a gooey center. After being pan-seared, the meatballs are baked in marinara sauce with melted cheese on top. The result is a perfectly balanced combination of savory, cheesy, and comforting flavors. Whether you’re serving them for a weeknight dinner or as an appetizer at a gathering, these cheese-stuffed meatballs are guaranteed to please.

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 for the best juiciness)

• 2 large eggs

• ½ cup breadcrumbs

• 2 tsp dried oregano

• 2 tsp garlic powder

• 2 tsp onion powder

• 2 tsp Kosher salt

• ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper

• 6 oz fresh mozzarella, cut into ½” cubes

For the Sauce:

• 2 Tbsp neutral oil (such as grapeseed, avocado, canola, or vegetable oil)

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving

• Fresh basil leaves for garnish

• 32 oz marinara sauce

Instructions

1. Make the Meatball Mixture:

   • In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs. Add the ground beef, breadcrumbs, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, Kosher salt, and black pepper. Gently mix with your hands until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.

2. Form the Meatballs:

   • Use a large cookie scoop to divide the mixture into 10-12 equal portions, about 2 oz each. Flatten each portion into a disc, and place 2-3 cubes of mozzarella cheese in the center. Carefully mold the beef around the cheese, sealing it completely. Roll the mixture into uniform meatballs and set aside.

3. Preheat the Oven:

   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

4. Pan-Sear the Meatballs:

   • Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the neutral oil. Sear the meatballs for 4-5 minutes, turning them to brown on all sides.

5. Add the Sauce:

   • Once the meatballs are browned, carefully pour marinara sauce over the meatballs. Then sprinkle with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan.

6. Bake the Meatballs:

   • Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the cheese is fully melted.

7. Serve:

   • Garnish the meatballs with fresh basil leaves and additional grated Parmesan, if desired. Serve immediately with pasta, polenta, or crusty bread for a complete meal.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 35 minutes

• Total Time: 50 minutes

• Servings: 5 servings (about 2 meatballs per serving)

Variations

• Meat Substitutes: You can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version of these meatballs.

• Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, try using plant-based ground meat or a mix of ricotta and spinach for stuffing.

• Cheese Variety: While mozzarella is traditional, you can also use provolone, cheddar, or gouda for a different flavor profile.

Storage and Reheating

• Storage: Leftover meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also reheat them in the microwave, though the texture may not be as crispy.

FAQs

1. Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
   Yes, you can form the meatballs and refrigerate them overnight. You can also freeze them uncooked for up to 3 months and bake them directly from the freezer.

2. Can I use a different kind of cheese?
   Yes, you can use any melty cheese of your choice, such as provolone, cheddar, or even a mix of cheeses.

3. What can I serve with these meatballs?
   These meatballs are great served with spaghetti, polenta, mashed potatoes, or even in a sub roll with marinara sauce for a meatball sandwich.

4. Can I make these meatballs without breadcrumbs?
   Yes, you can use gluten-free breadcrumbs or substitute with crushed crackers or oats for a similar texture.

5. Is there a way to make this recipe spicier?
   Yes, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat mixture or to the marinara sauce to give the meatballs a bit of heat.

Conclusion

These Tender Cheese-Stuffed Baked Meatballs are an absolute crowd-pleaser. The combination of juicy beef, gooey mozzarella, and flavorful marinara sauce makes for a mouthwatering dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Serve them with pasta, on top of polenta, or simply with some crusty bread to soak up all the sauce. Whether as an appetizer or a main course, these meatballs are sure to become a family favorite!

Tender Cheese-Stuffed Baked Meatballs

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• Author: Chef Sophia
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 5 servings (about 2 meatballs per serving)

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Description

These Cheese-Stuffed Baked Meatballs are a rich and savory treat that combine tender, juicy beef with a gooey mozzarella center. Pan-seared to a golden brown and baked in marinara sauce, these meatballs are topped with more melted cheese for an irresistible finish. Whether you serve them as an appetizer or a main course, Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs are perfect for any occasion, and easy to make for a delicious meal!

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Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

2 lbs ground beef (80/20 for the best juiciness)

2 large eggs

½ cup breadcrumbs

2 tsp dried oregano

2 tsp garlic powder

2 tsp onion powder

2 tsp Kosher salt

½ tsp freshly ground black pepper

6 oz fresh mozzarella, cut into ½” cubes

For the Sauce:

2 Tbsp neutral oil (such as grapeseed, avocado, canola, or vegetable oil)

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

32 oz marinara sauce

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Instructions

1. Make the Meatball Mixture:
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs. Add the ground beef, breadcrumbs, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, Kosher salt, and black pepper. Gently mix with your hands until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.
3. Form the Meatballs:
4. Use a large cookie scoop to divide the mixture into 10-12 equal portions, about 2 oz each. Flatten each portion into a disc, and place 2-3 cubes of mozzarella cheese in the center. Carefully mold the beef around the cheese, sealing it completely. Roll the mixture into uniform meatballs and set aside.
5. Preheat the Oven:
6. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
7. Pan-Sear the Meatballs:
8. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the neutral oil. Sear the meatballs for 4-5 minutes, turning them to brown on all sides.
9. Add the Sauce:
10. Once the meatballs are browned, carefully pour marinara sauce over the meatballs. Then sprinkle with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan.
11. Bake the Meatballs:
12. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the cheese is fully melted.
13. Serve:
14. Garnish the meatballs with fresh basil leaves and additional grated Parmesan, if desired. Serve immediately with pasta, polenta, or crusty bread for a complete meal.

Notes

• Meat Substitutes: You can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version of these meatballs.
• Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, try using plant-based ground meat or a mix of ricotta and spinach for stuffing.
• Cheese Variety: While mozzarella is traditional, you can also use provolone, cheddar, or gouda for a different flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: beef
• Cuisine: American