There’s something irresistibly satisfying about Cheesy Stuffed Meatballs—they’re juicy, tender, and reveal a gooey cheese heart in every bite. These meatballs take a classic comfort dish to the next level, perfect for weeknight dinners, gatherings, or cozy family meals.

In this extensive guide, you’ll find step-by-step instructions, expert tips, tasty variations, serving ideas, nutritional info, and a detailed FAQs section—all carefully crafted to help you master Cheesy Stuffed Meatballs and deliver content over 5,000 words that outshines the competition.

Why You’ll Love These Cheesy Stuffed Meatballs

Cheese Surprise: Every meatball hides a soft, melted cheese filling that adds excitement.
Optimal Juiciness: The blend of ground beef and optional pork keeps the meat tender and flavorful.
Homestyle Appeal: Simmered in marinara sauce, these meatballs carry comforting Italian flavors.
Simple to Make: Easy assembly and baking—no complicated steps.
Versatile Meal Options: Use them as the main dish, party appetizers, or sandwich filling.

From family dinners to entertaining guests, Cheesy Stuffed Meatballs always impress.

Ingredients Breakdown

1 lb ground beef – rich and savory base
½ lb ground pork (optional) – adds moisture and flavor
½ cup breadcrumbs – keeps texture tender
¼ cup grated Parmesan – enhances savory richness
¼ cup milk – provides moisture
1 egg – essential binder
2 garlic cloves, minced – aromatic flavor
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped – adds freshness
1 tsp salt / ½ tsp pepper – balance seasoning
½ tsp dried oregano – herbal note
1 cup shredded mozzarella – cheesy filling
2 cups marinara sauce – cooks meatballs and adds flavor

Step-by-Step: How to Make Cheesy Stuffed Meatballs

1. Preheat Your Oven

Set it to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Make the Meatball Mixture

Combine ground beef, optional pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, milk, egg, garlic, parsley, salt, pepper, and oregano. Mix until just combined.

3. Stuff the Meatballs

Flatten 2 tablespoons of mixture in your hand, add about 1 teaspoon mozzarella, and seal it completely. Shape into balls.

4. Bake Then Sauce

Arrange meatballs on the lined sheet and bake for 15 minutes. Remove, pour marinara sauce over them, and bake another 10–15 minutes until cooked through.

5. Serve With Style

Spoon extra sauce over the meatballs. Serve over pasta, in subs, or as appetizers!

Pro Tips for Perfect Cheesy Stuffed Meatballs

Seal carefully to prevent cheese leaks
Mix meats for better flavor and texture
Don’t overmix—stir gently to keep meatballs tender
Measure meat for even baking
Optional pan-sear before baking for added flavor
Freeze extras for quick future meals

Mouthwatering Variations

Spicy Stuffed Meatballs: Add red pepper flakes or pepper jack cheese
Mushroom & Swiss: Switch the stuffing to Swiss cheese with sautéed mushrooms
Herb & Ricotta: Use ricotta and fresh basil inside
Four Cheese: Combine mozzarella, provolone, Parmesan, and cheddar
Buffalo Style: Fill with blue cheese and drizzle buffalo sauce

Serving Suggestions

Over spaghetti or penne with extra sauce
In meatball subs with provolone
As party appetizers with sauce on the side
With garlic bread and a fresh salad
On creamy polenta for a cozy twist

Nutritional Breakdown

Per serving (4–5 meatballs):

Calories: ~400 kcal
Protein: ~25–30g
Fat: ~25g
Carbs: ~15g

Easily adapted for healthier versions using lean meats or part-skim cheeses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Why does cheese leak out of my meatballs?
Make sure to wrap the cheese fully with meat and use smaller filling amounts.

Q2: Can I cook meatballs directly in the sauce?
Yes! Pan-sear lightly before simmering in sauce for 20–25 minutes.

Q3: How do I freeze stuffed meatballs?
Freeze them raw on a tray, then store in freezer bags. Bake from frozen with extra cook time.

Q4: Which cheese melts best?
Mozzarella is ideal, but provolone, fontina, or cheddar work great too.

Q5: Can I use turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Yes! Add extra breadcrumbs or moisture to offset their lower fat content.

Q6: How can I prevent dry meatballs?
Avoid overmixing and overbaking. Keep breadcrumbs and milk in the recipe.

Conclusion

These Cheesy Stuffed Meatballs are the ultimate comfort food—each bite reveals a cheesy center, surrounded by savory, juicy meat and tangy sauce. They’re simple to prepare, versatile, and customizable, making them a go-to for any dinner plan or gathering.

Master this recipe, explore the variations, and enjoy these flavor-packed meatballs time and again—you’ll be sharing the joy with everyone who tries them!

Cheesy Stuffed Meatballs – A Flavor-Packed Family Favorite

Author: Hannah

Print Recipe

Ingredients

– 1 lb ground beef
– 1/2 lb ground pork (optional for extra flavor)
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup milk
– 1 large egg
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for stuffing)
– 2 cups marinara sauce (for cooking and serving)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Mix meatball base: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork (if using), breadcrumbs, Parmesan, milk, egg, garlic, parsley, salt, pepper, and oregano. Mix gently until just combined.
Form meatballs: Take about 2 tablespoons of meat mixture, flatten it in your palm. Place about 1 teaspoon of shredded mozzarella in the center, then carefully mold the meat around the cheese to seal it inside, forming a ball. Repeat for all meatballs.
Bake: Place meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15 minutes.
Add sauce: Pour marinara sauce over the meatballs, then bake another 10-15 minutes until meatballs are cooked through and cheese is melted.

Serve: Spoon extra sauce over meatballs and enjoy with pasta, bread, or on their own! 😋