These Cheesy Meatballs are juicy, tender, and stuffed with gooey melted cheese. Perfect as an appetizer, main dish, or party snack, this easy recipe is flavorful, family friendly, and simple to make.
Cheesy Meatballs – Juicy, Flavorful, and Melted with Cheese
Cheese makes everything better, especially meatballs. These Cheesy Meatballs are a show-stopping dish — tender, perfectly seasoned ground meat rolled around a gooey, melted cheese center, baked or pan-fried to perfection.
Whether you’re planning a family dinner, a party appetizer, or a weeknight comfort meal, these meatballs are versatile, satisfying, and guaranteed to disappear fast.
This recipe is designed to guide you step-by-step in making juicy, flavorful meatballs filled with cheese, and includes tips, variations, and serving suggestions that will elevate your meal.
Ingredients you Need
For the Meatballs
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1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
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½ cup breadcrumbs
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¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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½ teaspoon garlic powder
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½ teaspoon onion powder
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½ teaspoon dried oregano
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½ teaspoon dried basil
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1 teaspoon salt
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¼ teaspoon black pepper
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1 large egg
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¼ cup milk
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1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
For the Cheese Filling
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4 oz mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes
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Optional: cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for extra flavor
For the Sauce (Optional)
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2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
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1 teaspoon olive oil
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1 clove garlic, minced
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½ teaspoon dried basil or Italian seasoning
Tools You’ll Need
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Mixing bowl
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Baking sheet or skillet
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Parchment paper or non-stick spray
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Toothpicks (optional)
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Skillet for sauce (if making)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture
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In a large mixing bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
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Add the egg, milk, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix gently until just combined — overmixing can make meatballs tough.
Step 2: Stuff the Meatballs with Cheese
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Take a small portion of the meat mixture (about 2 tablespoons).
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Flatten it slightly in your hand and place a cube of mozzarella in the center.
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Carefully wrap the meat around the cheese and roll into a smooth ball.
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Repeat until all meat and cheese are used.
Tip: Ensure the meat fully encases the cheese to prevent it from leaking during cooking.
Step 3: Cook the Meatballs
Option 1 – Oven-Baked:
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Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
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Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the meatballs evenly spaced.
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Bake for 18–22 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
Option 2 – Pan-Fried:
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Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a skillet over medium heat.
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Add meatballs and cook, turning occasionally, for 10–12 minutes until browned and cooked through.
Tip: Meatballs are done when the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
Step 4: Prepare the Sauce (Optional)
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In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté garlic until fragrant.
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Add marinara sauce and dried herbs. Simmer for 5–10 minutes.
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Toss cooked meatballs in the sauce or serve the sauce on the side.
Step 5: Serve
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Serve hot, sprinkled with extra Parmesan or fresh basil.
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Perfect with pasta, rice, or crusty bread.
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For appetizers, serve with toothpicks and a small bowl of dipping sauce.
Tips for Perfect Cheesy Meatballs
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Use Fresh Cheese: High-quality mozzarella melts evenly and tastes better.
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Avoid Overmixing: Gentle mixing keeps meatballs tender.
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Size Matters: Keep meatballs uniform in size for even cooking.
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Seal the Cheese: Make sure the cheese is completely wrapped in meat to prevent leaks.
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Make Ahead: Meatballs can be assembled and refrigerated for 24 hours or frozen for up to 2 months. Bake when ready to serve.
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Flavor Boost: Add finely chopped onions, parsley, or sun-dried tomatoes to the meat mixture for extra depth.
Serving Suggestions
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Serve over spaghetti or fettuccine with sauce for a classic Italian dinner.
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Make meatball subs with hoagie rolls, marinara, and melted cheese.
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Use as party appetizers, with toothpicks for easy serving.
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Pair with garlic bread or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
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Great for lunchboxes or meal prep — store in airtight containers.
Variations
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Buffalo Cheesy Meatballs: Mix hot sauce into the meat or toss in buffalo sauce after cooking.
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BBQ Cheesy Meatballs: Use barbecue sauce instead of marinara for a smoky-sweet flavor.
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Herb & Cheese: Add fresh chopped parsley, basil, or thyme for extra herbal notes.
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Spicy Meatballs: Mix in red pepper flakes or jalapeño for a kick.
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Mini Meatballs: Make bite-sized versions for easy snacking or appetizer platters.
Storage
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Refrigerator: Store cooked meatballs in an airtight container with sauce for up to 3–4 days.
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Freezer: Freeze uncooked stuffed meatballs on a baking sheet, then transfer to freezer bags for up to 2 months. Bake or cook from frozen.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, 3 Meatballs)
| Nutrient | Amount (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 290 kcal |
| Protein | 20 g |
| Carbohydrates | 8 g |
| Sugars | 2 g |
| Fat | 20 g |
| Saturated Fat | 8 g |
| Sodium | 450 mg |
| Fiber | 1 g |
Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on meat, cheese, and sauce used.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Juicy & Flavorful: Tender meat with a cheesy surprise in every bite.
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Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike love the gooey cheese center.
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Versatile: Works as a main dish, appetizer, or snack.
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Quick & Easy: Minimal prep, especially if using frozen or pre-made cheese cubes.
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Make-Ahead Friendly: Can be prepped in advance for busy weeknights or parties.
Final Thoughts
Cheesy Meatballs are the perfect combination of comfort food and indulgence. The gooey cheese center, seasoned meat, and optional sauce make them ideal for family dinners, game nights, or casual entertaining.
With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create a dish that feels gourmet but is simple enough for any night of the week. Serve with pasta, subs, or as a standalone appetizer these meatballs are guaranteed to be a hit every time.
