Cheese Stuffed Meatballs Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with these Cheese Stuffed Meatballs—a warm, melty, flavor-packed dish that brings big comfort with minimal effort. Each meatball is tender on the outside, gooey on the inside, and coated in rich tomato basil marinara. It’s the kind of recipe that turns an ordinary night into something special, without requiring hours in the kitchen. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners, these meatballs are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Melty Cheese Center: Each meatball hides a cube of mozzarella that melts into a dreamy, gooey center—it’s like a little surprise in every bite.
• Full of Flavor: Italian sausage, fresh garlic, parmesan, and herbs pack these meatballs with bold, savory flavor.
• Oven-Baked Ease: No splattering oil or stove babysitting. Just shape, stuff, bake, and you’re done!
• Family Favorite: Whether you’re serving kids, adults, or picky eaters, these meatballs are always a hit.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what makes these meatballs sing:

• Lean Ground Beef: The base for a juicy meatball with a rich, beefy flavor.
• Mild Italian Sausage: Adds moisture, seasoning, and depth. You can use spicy if you like a little heat.
• Egg: Acts as the binder to hold everything together.
• Breadcrumbs: Helps absorb moisture and keeps the meatballs tender—not dense.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, nutty flavor to the meat mixture and as a final garnish.
• Yellow Onion: Very finely diced for subtle sweetness and texture.
• Half & Half: Adds a touch of creaminess to the meat mixture.
• Garlic: Grated fresh garlic brings punchy, aromatic flavor.
• Italian Seasoning: A classic herb blend that brings everything together.
• Salt & Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
• Mozzarella Cheese Cubes: The creamy, melty center that makes this dish irresistible.
• Tomato & Basil Marinara Sauce: The perfect saucy companion to spoon over your meatballs.
• Fresh Parsley: Optional, but great for color and a touch of freshness at the end.

Variations

Want to shake things up? Try one of these tasty twists:

• Spicy Meatballs: Use hot Italian sausage or toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes to the mix.
• Cheese Swap: Try provolone, gouda, or even cheddar for a different cheesy surprise.
• Meat Mix-Up: Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version. You may need to add extra breadcrumbs for moisture.
• Stuffed with More: Tuck in a little sun-dried tomato or basil leaf with the mozzarella for extra flavor.
• Saucy Change: Swap marinara for a creamy alfredo or a vodka sauce for something indulgent.

How to Make Cheese Stuffed Meatballs

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Set your oven to 400°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and give it a spray of olive oil cooking spray to keep the meatballs from sticking.

Step 2: Make the Meatball Mixture

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, sausage, egg, breadcrumbs, parmesan, finely diced onion, half & half, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix with your hands or a spoon just until combined—don’t overmix or they’ll get tough!

Step 3: Shape and Stuff

Scoop out the meat mixture into 2-inch portions. Flatten each into a disc, place a mozzarella cube in the center, and wrap the meat around the cheese. Roll gently into a ball, making sure the cheese is completely sealed inside.

Step 4: Bake

Place the stuffed meatballs on your prepared baking sheet and bake for 20–25 minutes, until browned and fully cooked through.

Step 5: Warm the Sauce

While the meatballs are in the oven, warm the marinara sauce in a skillet over medium-low heat.

Step 6: Plate and Garnish

Let the meatballs rest for 5 minutes after baking. Then spoon some marinara on a plate, top with meatballs, add a bit more sauce on top, and sprinkle with parmesan and parsley.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Seal That Cheese: Make sure the mozzarella is completely wrapped inside the meat to prevent leaks.
• Use a Cookie Scoop: Keeps your meatballs even in size for uniform cooking.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix the meat just until the ingredients come together to keep the texture tender.
• Line the Pan: Foil and cooking spray make cleanup super easy—no scrubbing needed.

How to Serve

These meatballs are incredibly versatile, and there are so many delicious ways to enjoy them:

Classic Style:

Serve over spaghetti or linguine for a comforting Italian-style dinner.

Sub Sandwiches:

Pile them into a toasted hoagie roll, top with extra sauce and melty mozzarella, and broil for a homemade meatball sub.

Low-Carb Option:

Pair with zucchini noodles or roasted veggies.

Appetizer-Style:

Stick a toothpick in each meatball and serve with warm marinara on the side for dipping.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any cooled meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Keep the sauce separate if possible to preserve texture.

Freezing

Freeze fully cooked meatballs (without sauce) in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. They’ll last up to 3 months.

Reheating

Reheat in a skillet with a bit of marinara until warmed through, or microwave with a splash of sauce to keep them juicy.

FAQs

Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble them up to a day ahead and store them covered in the fridge. Bake right before serving for best results.

What’s the best way to keep the cheese from leaking out?
Make sure the mozzarella is completely sealed within the meatball and avoid overfilling. Press the meat mixture around the cube firmly.

Can I use shredded mozzarella instead of cubes?
It’s best to use cubes from a block of mozzarella. Shredded cheese melts too quickly and tends to leak out during baking.

Can I cook these in sauce instead of baking them?
Absolutely. You can gently simmer the shaped and stuffed meatballs in marinara sauce for 25–30 minutes, but make sure they’re firm enough to hold together.

Final Thoughts

These Cheese Stuffed Meatballs are pure comfort food magic—melty, meaty, and loaded with Italian flavor. They’re easy enough for a weeknight, yet impressive enough to serve to guests. Whether you spoon them over pasta, slide them into a sandwich, or pop them straight from the pan, these meatballs are sure to become a go-to favorite. Give them a try—you won’t regret it!

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