Quick Benefits
Cheese Stuffed Meatballs are a savory, satisfying meal that brings the comfort of Italian cuisine straight to your kitchen. With gooey mozzarella at the center and flavorful herbs in every bite, these meatballs are a family-friendly favorite. They’re ideal for weeknight dinners, entertaining guests, or prepping ahead for busy days. Bonus: they freeze well and pair beautifully with pasta or crusty bread.
Essential Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef (93%-7% fat)
- 1/2 lb ground mild Italian sausage
- 1 large egg
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/3 cup yellow onion, very finely diced
- 2 tbsp half & half
- 2 tsp grated garlic
- 1 1/2 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 15 cubes mozzarella cheese (from an 8 oz block, 3/4-inch cubes)
- 24 oz jar tomato & basil marinara sauce
- 1 tbsp fresh chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C) and line a baking sheet with foil. Spray lightly with cooking spray.
- Mix beef, sausage, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, onion, half & half, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a large bowl until just combined.
- Form meatballs using a 2-inch cookie scoop. Flatten each slightly, add a cube of mozzarella in the center, and shape the meat around the cheese to form a ball.
- Place the meatballs on the baking sheet and bake for 20–25 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Heat marinara sauce in a skillet over medium-low while the meatballs bake.
- Serve meatballs over sauce and garnish with extra Parmesan and parsley.
Health Benefits
- Protein-Rich: With both beef and sausage, each serving delivers a generous protein punch to support muscle repair and satiety.
- Calcium: The mozzarella and Parmesan provide bone-strengthening calcium.
- Iron & B Vitamins: Red meat supplies iron and essential B vitamins, vital for energy and red blood cell production.
- Tomato Sauce: Offers lycopene, an antioxidant known for heart health benefits.
Serving Suggestions
- Classic Pasta Night: Serve over spaghetti or rigatoni for a traditional Italian-style dinner.
- Meatball Subs: Load into toasted sub rolls with extra marinara and melted provolone.
- Party Appetizer: Serve with toothpicks and marinara for dipping—great for game day or gatherings.
- Zoodle Pairing: For a low-carb option, serve with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
Creative Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the meat mixture or use spicy Italian sausage.
- Herb Boost: Add fresh chopped basil or oregano for an extra burst of flavor.
- Cheese Twist: Try different fillings like provolone, fontina, or even blue cheese for a unique spin.
- Veggie-Packed: Mix in finely chopped spinach or mushrooms to sneak in more veggies.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze uncooked or cooked meatballs (without sauce) for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen or thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet with marinara over low heat until heated through.
Pro Tips
- Don’t overmix the meat mixture—this can make the meatballs tough.
- Use a cookie scoop to ensure even-sized meatballs for uniform cooking.
- Seal well: Make sure the cheese is fully encased to prevent it from leaking during baking.
- Rest time: Let meatballs rest for 5 minutes after baking to help the cheese set slightly and prevent burns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
A: Absolutely! Just be sure to include sausage or a bit of olive oil to keep the meat moist.
Q: What’s the best cheese for stuffing?
A: Mozzarella is traditional, but any melty cheese like fontina, provolone, or gouda works well.
Q: Can I make these ahead?
A: Yes! Assemble and freeze them raw or cooked, then bake or reheat as needed.
Q: Can I cook them in marinara sauce instead of baking?
A: You can! Brown them first in a skillet, then simmer in sauce for 25–30 minutes until fully cooked.
Cheese Stuffed Meatballs
Cheese Stuffed Meatballs are a delicious twist on a classic comfort food. These juicy, flavor-packed meatballs are made with a mix of ground beef and Italian sausage, seasoned to perfection, and stuffed with melty mozzarella cheese. Baked until golden and served with warm marinara sauce, they’re perfect as an appetizer, main dish, or even in a sub sandwich. Easy to make and incredibly satisfying, they’ll quickly become a family favorite.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients
1 pound lean ground beef (93%-7% fat)
1/2 pound ground mild Italian sausage
1 large egg
1/3 cup breadcrumbs
1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese (plus additional 1–2 tablespoons for garnish)
1/3 cup yellow onion, very finely diced
2 tablespoons half & half
2 teaspoons grated garlic
1 1/2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning blend
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
15 cubes (3/4-inch) mozzarella cheese (from an 8-ounce block)
24-ounce jar of tomato & basil marinara sauce
1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley (optional garnish)
Instructions
First, preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil and give it a light spray of olive oil cooking spray. This will help the meatballs brown beautifully.
Now, in a large mixing bowl, combine the lean ground beef, mild Italian sausage, egg, breadcrumbs, grated parmesan cheese, very finely diced yellow onion, half & half, grated garlic, Italian seasoning blend, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything until it’s well combined but be careful not to overmix; we want tender meatballs, after all!
Using a 2-inch-sized cookie scoop, portion out about 15 meatballs. Gently flatten each meatball into a disc, and place a cube of mozzarella cheese right in the center. Carefully fold the sides of the disc up and around the cheese, shaping it into a perfectly round meatball.
Line the stuffed meatballs on your prepared baking sheet, placing them in rows. Bake them in your preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until they are lightly browned and cooked through.
While the meatballs are baking, warm up the marinara sauce in a medium skillet over medium-low heat. This will bring it to the perfect temperature for serving.
Once the meatballs are done, take them out and let them rest for about five minutes. Patience is a virtue, after all!
To serve, spoon some warm marinara sauce onto a serving plate, add the meatballs, and drizzle some additional sauce over the top. Finish it off with a sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese and a dash of fresh chopped parsley for that beautiful pop of color.
Enjoy these delightful Cheese Stuffed Meatballs as a satisfying main course!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish / Appetizer
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5 (Makes about 15 meatballs)
- Calories: Approximately 275 calories per serving (based on 5 servings)
