If you’re looking for a dinner recipe that hits all the right notes—savory, cheesy, satisfying, and just a little indulgent—look no further than cheesy stuffed meatballs. Imagine tender beef meatballs, packed with flavor and oozing with melted cheese on the inside. Whether you serve them as a main dish, an appetizer, or in a sub sandwich, they’re bound to be the star of the table.
This recipe takes a comfort food classic and elevates it by stuffing each meatball with a melty cheese core. They’re surprisingly easy to make and an absolute crowd-pleaser at parties, game nights, or cozy dinners at home.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to make the ultimate cheesy stuffed meatballs, with step-by-step instructions, expert tips, delicious variations, common pitfalls to avoid, and everything you need to know to get gooey, golden results every time.
🍽️ Why You’ll Love These Cheesy Stuffed Meatballs
- Melty surprise inside: Everyone loves that gooey cheese pull.
- Juicy and flavorful: Made with beef, breadcrumbs, herbs, and seasonings.
- Versatile: Serve over pasta, in a hoagie, or as finger food.
- Make-ahead friendly: Great for meal prep and freezing.
- Comfort food perfection: Satisfies cravings for both meat and cheese lovers.
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Meatballs:
- 1½ lbs ground beef (80/20 for moisture)
- 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- ¼ cup milk
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
For the Stuffing:
- 4 oz mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes (½-inch)
For Cooking:
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for pan-frying or browning)
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce or homemade
🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Cheese
Cut mozzarella into ½-inch cubes. Set aside in the fridge to keep cold—this helps it stay intact while cooking.
Step 2: Mix the Meatball Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, Parmesan, milk, garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, and parsley. Use your hands to mix gently until just combined—don’t overwork it.
Step 3: Form and Stuff the Meatballs
Scoop about 2 tablespoons of meat mixture, flatten it in your palm, place a cheese cube in the center, and wrap the meat around it. Roll into a smooth ball, ensuring cheese is fully sealed inside.
Step 4: Brown the Meatballs
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Brown meatballs in batches, turning to get a crust on all sides. This step adds flavor and helps them hold shape.
Step 5: Simmer in Sauce
Transfer browned meatballs to a large saucepan with marinara. Cover and simmer for 20–25 minutes until fully cooked and cheese is melted inside.
🔥 Cooking Tips for Perfect Cheesy Stuffed Meatballs
- Seal the cheese well. If cheese peeks out, it can leak during cooking.
- Don’t overmix the meat. This keeps meatballs tender.
- Chill stuffed meatballs before cooking to help them hold shape.
- Use a scoop or scale to ensure even sizing.
- Simmer gently. Too much heat can split the cheese out.
🔄 Tasty Variations to Try
1. Cheddar-Stuffed Meatballs
Swap mozzarella for sharp cheddar or Colby Jack for a different flavor profile.
2. Spicy Stuffed Meatballs
Add red pepper flakes to the meat mixture and use pepper jack cheese.
3. Italian-American Style
Add fresh basil, sun-dried tomatoes, and serve over spaghetti.
4. Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Meatballs
Wrap each meatball with half a slice of turkey bacon before baking.
5. Buffalo Cheese Meatballs
Stuff with blue cheese crumbles and serve with Buffalo sauce and ranch.
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using lean beef only. Go for 80/20 for juicy results.
- Poorly sealed cheese. Double-check that cheese is fully enclosed.
- Skipping browning step. Adds tons of flavor and improves texture.
- Too much filler. Too many breadcrumbs = dry meatballs.
- Cooking too fast. High heat can cause them to burst.
🍝 Serving Suggestions
These cheesy meatballs can be the centerpiece of many meals:
- Over pasta: Classic spaghetti or penne with extra sauce.
- In subs: Serve in hoagie rolls with marinara and extra cheese.
- As appetizers: Stick a toothpick in each one for easy snacking.
- With mashed potatoes: For a comfort food combo.
- On pizza: Slice in half and layer over a cheese pizza.
🧊 Storage, Reheating, and Freezing
Storage:
Refrigerate leftovers in a sealed container for up to 4 days.
Reheating:
Warm in the microwave with a spoonful of sauce or reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10–12 minutes.
Freezing:
Place uncooked or cooked meatballs on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then store in freezer bags for up to 3 months.
⚖️ Nutritional Information (Per Meatball Estimate)
- Calories: ~150 kcal
- Protein: 10g
- Carbs: 4g
- Fat: 10g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Sugar: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I bake instead of pan-fry?
Yes—bake at 400°F for 20–25 minutes. Then simmer briefly in sauce.
Can I use ground turkey?
Absolutely, but add a bit more fat or oil to prevent dryness.
What cheese works best for stuffing?
Low-moisture mozzarella holds shape and melts evenly. Cheddar, gouda, or provolone also work.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes—stuff and refrigerate up to 24 hours in advance.
Can I make gluten-free meatballs?
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed GF crackers.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Skip cheese or use a dairy-free substitute and non-dairy milk in the mix.
Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Not ideal for stuffing—go with block cheese cut into cubes.
✅ Conclusion
These cheesy stuffed meatballs deliver everything you love about hearty Italian-American food in one juicy, cheesy, bite-sized package. With their tender beef exterior and molten mozzarella core, they strike the perfect balance between indulgent and comforting.
Whether you’re cooking for family dinner, entertaining guests, or batch cooking for the week ahead, this recipe is bound to impress. Once you taste that satisfying cheese pull hidden inside each meatball, you’ll understand why this dish deserves a permanent spot in your rotation.
Serve them over pasta, in subs, or on their own—they’re guaranteed to please. Get ready to take meatballs to a whole new level.