I love making these cheese stuffed meatballs because they are hearty, comforting, and always remind me of classic family dinners. Each meatball is tender and juicy on the outside, with a warm, melty mozzarella center that makes every bite extra satisfying. I usually serve them with marinara sauce, and they instantly feel like a special meal even on a busy day.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I like this recipe because it combines two favorites in one dish: well-seasoned meatballs and gooey cheese. I also enjoy how versatile they are, since I can serve them with pasta, in a sandwich, or even on their own. The ingredients are simple, and the results always feel impressive without being complicated.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of Ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 pound lean ground beef (93%–7% fat)
1 pound ground mild Italian sausage
1 large egg
1/3 cup breadcrumbs
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
8 ounces mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes
Marinara sauce, for serving
Directions
I start by preheating the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, I combine the ground beef, Italian sausage, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. I mix everything gently until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.
I then take a small portion of the meat mixture, flatten it in my hand, and place a cube of mozzarella in the center. I wrap the meat around the cheese and roll it into a ball, making sure the cheese is completely sealed inside. I repeat this step until all the meatballs are formed.
I arrange the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet and bake them for about 20–25 minutes, until they are cooked through and lightly browned. I usually warm some marinara sauce on the stove and serve the meatballs hot with the sauce spooned over the top.
Servings And Timing
I usually get about 6 servings from this recipe, depending on the size of the meatballs.
Preparation time is around 20 minutes, and baking time takes about 25 minutes, so everything is ready in roughly 45 minutes.
Variations
I sometimes use ground turkey instead of beef for a lighter version. When I want extra flavor, I mix chopped fresh parsley or basil into the meat mixture. I also like experimenting with different cheeses, such as provolone or fontina, for a slightly different taste.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, I usually warm them gently on the stovetop in marinara sauce or in the microwave until heated through. They also freeze well for up to 2 months if I want to make them ahead of time.
FAQs
Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
I often prepare the meatballs in advance and keep them uncooked in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
How do I keep the cheese from leaking out?
I make sure the meat fully covers the cheese and seal any cracks before baking.
Can I cook these meatballs in a pan instead of the oven?
I sometimes pan-fry them over medium heat, turning carefully, until they are cooked through.
What can I serve with cheese stuffed meatballs?
I like serving them with pasta, mashed potatoes, or even crusty bread for dipping in the sauce.
Are these meatballs kid-friendly?
In my experience, kids love the cheesy center, which makes them a big hit at family meals.
Conclusion
I keep coming back to this cheese stuffed meatball recipe because it is comforting, flavorful, and easy to make. It feels like a classic dish with a fun twist, and I always enjoy sharing it with family and friends around the table.
Cheese Stuffed Meatballs are juicy, flavorful meatballs with a gooey mozzarella center. Perfect for family dinners, pasta nights, or sandwiches, they’re comforting, hearty, and always a crowd-pleaser.
Total Time:45 minutes
Yield:6 servings
Ingredients
1 pound lean ground beef (93%–7% fat)
1 pound ground mild Italian sausage
1 large egg
1/3 cup breadcrumbs
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
8 ounces mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes
Marinara sauce, for serving
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, Italian sausage, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
Flatten a portion of the meat mixture in your hand, place a cube of mozzarella in the center, and wrap the meat around it, forming a ball. Repeat with remaining meat and cheese.
Arrange the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20–25 minutes until cooked through and lightly browned.
Warm marinara sauce on the stove and serve the meatballs hot with sauce spooned over the top.
Notes
Use ground turkey instead of beef for a lighter version.
Add chopped fresh parsley or basil to the meat mixture for extra flavor.
Swap mozzarella with provolone or fontina for a different cheese experience.
