Cheesy Meatballs Recipe

by Aleezay Khan

How about whip up something deliciously cheesy and packed with a savory punch? Let me share with you my go-to recipe for Cheesy Meatballs recipe. Imagine this, juicy meatballs, bursting with melty cheese and wrapped in a rich, comforting flavors. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to bring everyone running to the table. Trust me, it’s a simple, no-fuss way to get a little gourmet into weeknight dinner rotation.

This recipe is all about making these super delicious meatballs that are far from your ordinary meatball because they’ve got a secret inside – cheese, Imagine biting into a beautifully browned meatball and finding melted, stretchy cheese in the center. That’s what I am talking about here. The main ingredient is of course, the ground meat, which can be beef, chicken, or even lamb,(depends upon your choice and mood) mixed with spices and herbs for that burst of flavor.

And then, right at the heart of each meatball, tuck a piece of cheese that melts as they cook, making every bite creamy and full of cheesy goodness.

Ingredients used in cheesy meatballs recipe

Here’s everything you need to whip up this delicious cheesy meatballs recipe:

1. Ground Meat (500g) – The foundation of our meatballs. You can use beef, chicken, or lamb, depending on your preference.
2. Breadcrumbs (1 cup) – Helps bind the meatballs together, giving them a perfect texture.
3. Eggs (2 large) – Acts as a binder, keeping all the ingredients together.
4. Parmesan Cheese (1/2 cup, grated) – Adds a salty, nutty flavor to the meatball mix.
5. Mozzarella Cheese (1 cup, cubed) – The star ingredient that melts inside the meatballs, creating that gooey center.
6. Garlic (3 cloves, minced) – Infuses the meatballs with a punch of flavor.
7. Salt (1 tsp) – Enhances the overall taste of the meatballs.
8. Black Pepper (1/2 tsp) – Adds a slight kick.
9. Italian Seasoning (1 tbsp) – Brings in the classic herbs flavor, elevating the taste.
10. Olive Oil (for frying) – Used to fry the meatballs to golden perfection.
11. Fresh Parsley (for garnish) – Adds a fresh, colorful touch to the dish.

Cooking Tools required for cheesy meatballs recipe

To bring this recipe in your kitchen, here are the tools you need for cheesy meatballs recipe:

1. Mixing Bowl – A large one to comfortably mix all your ingredients together without any spills.
2. Measuring Cups and Spoons – Precision is key in cooking, and these will help you measure out ingredients accurately.
3. Frying Pan – Opt for a non-stick pan for frying the meatballs, ensuring they get that even golden crust without sticking.
4. Spatula – To gently flip the meatballs, ensuring they are perfectly cooked from all sides.
5. Baking Sheet – If you opt to bake them for a healthier version, a baking sheet lined with parchment paper is essential.
6. Oven (optional) – For those who prefer their meatballs baked, preheating your oven is a step you can’t skip.
7. Cutting Board and Knife – For chopping up your garlic and parsley with ease and precision.
8. Cheese Grater – To get freshly grated Parmesan that will melt beautifully into your mix.
9. Kitchen Gloves (optional) – For those who like to mix with their hands but want to keep things clean and hygienic.

How to make cheesy meatballs recipe: Step by step process;

Ready to master the art of making the perfect Cheesy Meatballs? Follow these steps:

1. Mix Your Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine 500g of ground meat, 1 cup of breadcrumbs, 2 beaten eggs, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp of salt, 1/2 tsp of black pepper, and 1 tbsp of Italian seasoning. Mix well until everything is evenly distributed.
2. Form the Meatballs: Take a small portion of the meat mixture and flatten it in your hand. Place a cube of mozzarella cheese in the center, then wrap the meat around the cheese, rolling it into a ball. Ensure the cheese is fully enclosed to prevent it from leaking out during cooking.
3. Preheat the Pan: Heat some olive oil in a non-stick frying pan over medium heat. While it’s warming up, you have a moment to roll out the rest of your meatballs.
4. Cook the Meatballs: Place the meatballs in the pan, making sure not to overcrowd them. Cook for about 10 minutes, turning them occasionally until they’re golden brown on all sides and cooked through.
5. Drain Excess Oil: Once cooked, transfer the meatballs onto a paper towel-lined plate to remove any excess oil.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Garnish your meatballs with freshly chopped parsley and serve while hot. Enjoy the gooey, cheesy center with each bite.

Expert Tip

Before adding breadcrumbs to your meat mixture, soak them in milk or broth for about 10 minutes until they’re fully absorbed and plump. This might seem like an extra step, but it’s a game-changer. The soaked breadcrumbs will integrate better into your meatballs, ensuring they stay moist and tender during cooking, rather than drying out. This technique is often overlooked in home cooking, but it’s a staple in professional kitchens for achieving that perfect texture every time. Why does this matter? Because nobody enjoys a dry meatball.

Serving Tips

Pairing the right side dishes with your cheesy meatballs turn a simple meal into a feast:

1. Spaghetti: A classic pairing, serve your meatballs over a bed of al dente spaghetti with a ladle of marinara sauce for a traditional Italian meal.
2. Garlic Bread: Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce and adding a crunchy texture contrast.
3. Roasted Vegetables: A mix of roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and onions can add a colorful and healthy side to your meaty dish.
4. Caesar Salad: A fresh Caesar salad with crisp romaine lettuce, croutons, and creamy dressing offers a refreshing balance to the rich flavors of the meatballs.
5. Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes make for a comforting base that complements the savory meatballs wonderfully.
6. Rice Pilaf: A lightly seasoned rice pilaf can be a simple yet flavorful side that pairs well with the meatballs, offering a nice texture contrast.

Check more sides recipes

Shami Kabab Recipe
Chicken Pakora Recipe
Chapli Kabab Recipe
Mixed Vegetable Pakora recipe
Peri peri bites recipe
Masala macaroni recipe

Storage Instructions

Follow these simple steps to ensure your cheesy meatballs remain as delicious as when it was first made:

To Store:

1. Cool Down: First, allow the meatballs to cool to room temperature before storing. This prevents condensation inside the container, which can make them soggy.
2. Refrigerate or Freeze: Place the meatballs in an airtight container or a zip-lock bag. They can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. If freezing, consider laying them out on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a bag, preventing them from sticking together.

To Reheat:

1. Refrigerate to Thaw: If frozen, transfer your meatballs to the refrigerator the night before you plan to eat them, allowing them to thaw gently.
2. Reheat Gently: For best results, reheat the meatballs in a saucepan over low heat with a bit of sauce or water to keep them moist. Alternatively, you can microwave them on medium power, covered, with a splash of water to prevent drying out. Stir occasionally to ensure they heat evenly.

Conclusion

So, there you go, my secret trick for whipping up the ultimate Cheesy Meatballs that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. Perfect for those cozy nights in or wowing your guests at a dinner, these little round balls pack a cheesy punch with a deliciously seasoned crust. Cooking’s all about adding your own little spark to the mix, not just sticking to the script. So, go ahead, play around with it, make it yours. After all, it’s that personal touch that turns a good meal into a great one.

I’d love to hear how your Cheesy Meatballs turned out, Share your experience and any personal twists you added to the recipe with me.

Frequently asked questions

What holds meatballs together?

Egg and breadcrumbs are added to meatballs to help hold together, and the combination helps give the meatballs a slightly more tender texture.

What is the secret to firm meatballs?

Get your hands into your mixing bowl and combine the ingredients for your meatballs using your fingers. The heat from your hands will help release the proteins in the meat which will in turn help the mixture stick together when it cooks. Don’t overmix, just a few minutes will do.

How can I ensure my cheesy meatballs don’t fall apart while cooking?

To prevent meatballs from falling apart, make sure the meat mixture is well combined and not too wet. Adding an egg can help bind the ingredients. Also, avoid overmixing, as this can make the meatballs tough.

Can cheesy meatballs be made ahead of time?

Yes, cheesy meatballs can be prepared in advance. You can either freeze them raw or cooked. If frozen raw, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. Cooked meatballs can be reheated in the oven or microwave.

 

Cheesy Meatballs Recipe

Discover the ultimate Cheesy Meatballs recipe - a perfect blend of gooey cheese and savory meat, ideal for family dinners. Easy, delicious, and unforgettable.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Course Side Dish

Servings 4 People

Ingredients

  

• Ground Meat 500g - The foundation of our meatballs. You can use beef, chicken, or lamb, depending on your preference.
• Breadcrumbs 1 cup - Helps bind the meatballs together, giving them a perfect texture.
• Eggs 2 large - Acts as a binder, keeping all the ingredients together.
• Parmesan Cheese 1/2 cup, grated - Adds a salty, nutty flavor to the meatball mix.
• Mozzarella Cheese 1 cup, cubed - The star ingredient that melts inside the meatballs, creating that gooey center.
• Garlic 3 cloves, minced - Infuses the meatballs with a punch of flavor.
• Salt 1 tsp - Enhances the overall taste of the meatballs.
• Black Pepper 1/2 tsp - Adds a slight kick.
• Italian Seasoning 1 tbsp - Brings in the classic herbs flavor, elevating the taste.
• Olive Oil for frying - Used to fry the meatballs to golden perfection.
• Fresh Parsley for garnish - Adds a fresh, colorful touch to the dish.

Instructions

 

• Mix Your Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine 500g of ground meat, 1 cup of breadcrumbs, 2 beaten eggs, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp of salt, 1/2 tsp of black pepper, and 1 tbsp of Italian seasoning. Mix well until everything is evenly distributed.
• Form the Meatballs: Take a small portion of the meat mixture and flatten it in your hand. Place a cube of mozzarella cheese in the center, then wrap the meat around the cheese, rolling it into a ball. Ensure the cheese is fully enclosed to prevent it from leaking out during cooking.
• Preheat the Pan: Heat some olive oil in a non-stick frying pan over medium heat. While it's warming up, you have a moment to roll out the rest of your meatballs.
• Cook the Meatballs: Place the meatballs in the pan, making sure not to overcrowd them. Cook for about 10 minutes, turning them occasionally until they're golden brown on all sides and cooked through.
• Drain Excess Oil: Once cooked, transfer the meatballs onto a paper towel-lined plate to remove any excess oil.
• Serve and Enjoy: Garnish your meatballs with freshly chopped parsley and serve while hot. Enjoy the gooey, cheesy center with each bite.

Notes

Before adding breadcrumbs to your meat mixture, soak them in milk or broth for about 10 minutes until they're fully absorbed and plump. This might seem like an extra step, but it's a game-changer. The soaked breadcrumbs will integrate better into your meatballs, ensuring they stay moist and tender during cooking, rather than drying out. This technique is often overlooked in home cooking, but it's a staple in professional kitchens for achieving that perfect texture every time. Why does this matter? Because nobody enjoys a dry meatball. This simple trick will elevate your dish from good to gourmet, making it a surefire hit at any dinner table.