Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Cheese stuffed meatballs take a classic comfort food and elevate it with a rich, gooey surprise at the center. From the outside, they look like perfectly browned meatballs, but once cut open, warm melted cheese spills out, making them instantly memorable. This recipe is ideal for family dinners, gatherings, or even meal prep because it is both satisfying and versatile. I enjoy how these meatballs remain juicy thanks to the cheese filling, while the seasoned meat stays flavorful and tender. The first time I made them, I served them with a simple tomato sauce, and they disappeared faster than any other dish on the table. Whether paired with pasta, served as an appetizer, or tucked into a sandwich, cheese stuffed meatballs deliver bold flavor and comforting texture in every bite.
Print
Cheese Stuffed Meatballs: Juicy, Melty, and Irresistibly Comforting
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 16 meatballs
- Diet: Halal
Description
Juicy, tender meatballs stuffed with melted cheese, baked or pan-seared and perfect as an appetizer or hearty main dish.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 4 oz mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes
- 2 tbsp olive oil (if pan-frying)
- Optional: marinara sauce for serving
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) or heat a skillet over medium heat.
- In a large bowl, mix breadcrumbs and milk; let soak for 1 minute.
- Add ground beef, egg, Parmesan, garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning; mix gently.
- Take a small portion of meat mixture, flatten it, place a cheese cube in the center, and wrap meat around it to form a ball.
- Repeat with remaining mixture.
- For baking: place meatballs on a lined baking sheet and bake for 18–20 minutes.
- For pan-frying: heat olive oil and cook meatballs, turning until browned and cooked through.
- Serve warm, optionally with marinara sauce.
Notes
- Do not overmix to keep meatballs tender.
- Freeze uncooked stuffed meatballs for later use.
- Use cheddar or provolone for different flavors.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
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, savory base and holds the meatballs together beautifully.
Ground pork
Ground pork adds extra moisture and tenderness, preventing the meatballs from drying out.
Breadcrumbs
Breadcrumbs help bind the mixture while keeping the meatballs soft rather than dense.
Milk
Milk hydrates the breadcrumbs, creating a tender texture throughout the meatballs.
Egg
Egg binds the ingredients together and provides structure during cooking.
Parmesan cheese
Parmesan adds salty depth and enhances the savory flavor of the meat mixture.
Mozzarella cheese
Mozzarella is used for stuffing, creating a melty, stretchy center.
Garlic
Garlic adds aromatic warmth and enhances the overall flavor.
Onion
Finely chopped onion adds sweetness and moisture to the meatballs.
Italian seasoning
Italian seasoning brings a balanced blend of herbs that complements the meat and cheese.
Salt
Salt sharpens and balances all the flavors in the mixture.
Black pepper
Black pepper adds gentle heat and depth without overpowering.
Olive oil
Olive oil helps brown the meatballs evenly and adds richness.
Directions
Preheat the oven to 190°C and line a baking tray with parchment paper or lightly grease it. In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and milk, allowing the mixture to soak for a few minutes until softened.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, soaked breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan cheese, garlic, onion, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
Cut the mozzarella into small cubes. Take 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, rolling gently to seal completely.
Place the stuffed meatballs on the prepared tray, spacing them slightly apart. Drizzle lightly with olive oil. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, turning once if desired, until the meatballs are browned and cooked through.
For extra color, you can briefly switch to the grill setting for the final few minutes. Allow the meatballs to rest for a few minutes before serving so the cheese sets slightly.
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 four people. Preparation takes about 20 minutes, with a baking time of 25 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 170°C until warmed through. They can also be reheated gently in sauce on the stovetop.
Variations and Customizations
Cheese stuffed meatballs are easy to adapt to your preferences. For a stronger cheese flavor, use cheddar or provolone instead of mozzarella. If you enjoy a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or a small amount of chili paste to the meat mixture.
You can also make this recipe with ground chicken or turkey for a lighter version, though adding a little extra olive oil helps maintain moisture. I once tested this recipe with smoked mozzarella, and it added an incredible depth of flavor that worked especially well with tomato-based sauces.
For a low-carbohydrate option, substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour. Fresh herbs such as parsley or basil can also be mixed in for added freshness and aroma.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
Cheese stuffed meatballs provide protein from the meat and calcium from the cheese. They are filling and satisfying, making them suitable as a main dish or hearty appetizer. Adjustments can be made for lower-fat or gluten-free diets.
Expert Tips & Customizations
Seal Completely
Ensure the cheese is fully enclosed to prevent leaking during baking.
Gentle Mixing
Mix the meat lightly to keep the texture tender.
Even Sizing
Keep meatballs uniform in size for even cooking.
Resting Time
Allow a short rest after baking so the cheese does not spill immediately.
FAQs
Can I fry these meatballs instead of baking?
Yes, they can be pan-fried, but baking is less messy and more even.
What cheese melts best for stuffing?
Mozzarella melts smoothly and stretches beautifully.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, they can be shaped and refrigerated before baking.
Are these meatballs freezer-friendly?
Freezing is not recommended, as the cheese texture may change.
Can I use only ground beef?
Yes, but the mixture may be slightly less tender.
How do I prevent cheese from leaking?
Seal the meat completely around the cheese.
Can I add sauce while baking?
Yes, but bake uncovered to allow browning.
Are these suitable for children?
Yes, the flavors are mild and comforting.
Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
What should I serve with them?
Pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread pair well.
Conclusion
Cheese stuffed meatballs are a comforting, crowd-pleasing recipe that combines juicy seasoned meat with a rich, melty cheese center. Easy to prepare and endlessly adaptable, they are a reliable choice for both everyday meals and special occasions.
Hungry for more? Visit our website for full recipes and follow us on Pinterest for daily foodie inspo you’ll love to pin!