Stuffed Cheesy Beef Meatballs – Gooey, Juicy, Perfect!

If you love comfort food that surprises you with every bite, my Stuffed Cheesy Beef Meatballs will quickly become your new favorite recipe.

Imagine cutting into a perfectly seasoned meatball only to reveal a gooey, melted cheese center that oozes out like a dream.

These meatballs are juicy on the outside, cheesy on the inside, and coated in a rich marinara sauce — pure, indulgent satisfaction that’s perfect for family dinners or game night.

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Recipe Highlights

These stuffed meatballs take the humble ground beef recipe to the next level. Every bite combines the savory flavor of Italian-seasoned beef with the creamy richness of melted mozzarella cheese.

They’re baked until golden, then simmered in marinara sauce for a perfect balance of tenderness and flavor.

Highlights:

• Family-approved comfort food at its best
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• Gooey, melty cheese hidden inside each meatball
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• Baked, then simmered in marinara for extra juiciness
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• Perfect for pasta night, sandwiches, or party appetizers
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• Easy to make yet impressive to serve

Ingredient Notes

• Ground Beef (1 pound): Use 80/20 beef for the best flavor and tenderness — it holds together beautifully while staying juicy.
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• Mozzarella Cheese (8 ounces, cubed): Melts into a creamy, gooey center; low-moisture mozzarella works best for clean pulls.
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• Breadcrumbs (½ cup): Helps bind the meatballs and absorb moisture.
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• Egg (1 large): Acts as a natural binder for structure.
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• Onion (½ medium, finely diced): Adds subtle sweetness and flavor depth.
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• Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Enhances the savory aroma.
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• Parsley (2 tablespoons chopped): Adds freshness and color.
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• Italian Seasoning (1 teaspoon): Brings together the herbs typical of Italian-style meatballs.
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• Salt (1 teaspoon) and Black Pepper (½ teaspoon): Essential for seasoning balance.
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• Marinara Sauce (2 cups): Provides a rich coating and keeps the meatballs moist.
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• Parmesan Cheese (¼ cup grated): Adds nutty depth and enhances the cheesy flavor.

How to Make My Stuffed Cheesy Beef Meatballs

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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2. Prepare the Meat Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, diced onion, garlic, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and Parmesan. Mix gently with your hands until evenly combined.
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3. Form and Stuff the Meatballs: Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the mixture and flatten slightly in your palm. Place a mozzarella cube in the center and wrap the beef mixture around it, sealing tightly. Roll into a smooth ball.
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4. Bake the Meatballs: Arrange the meatballs on the baking sheet and bake for 15–18 minutes, until browned and cooked through.
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5. Simmer in Sauce: Transfer the baked meatballs to a skillet with warm marinara sauce. Simmer for 5–10 minutes on low heat to let the flavors meld.
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6. Serve: Garnish with extra Parmesan and parsley. Serve over pasta, in subs, or on their own with a crusty baguette.

Preparation and Cooking Time

This recipe is straightforward and can be completed in about 50 minutes, making it a great option for a weeknight meal.

With a prep time of 15 minutes and a cook time of 25 minutes, you’ll have a delicious dish ready to serve in no time.

Gather your ingredients, including the marinara sauce, and get ready to create a comforting meal that will impress everyone at the table.

Creating the Perfect Meatball

To achieve the ideal meatball, start by combining the ground beef with breadcrumbs, the large egg, finely diced onion, and minced garlic in a large bowl.

Mixing these ingredients thoroughly is key to ensuring that every meatball is packed with flavor.

Once the mixture is ready, take a portion and flatten it in your hand. Place a small cube of mozzarella cheese in the center and wrap the meat around it, forming a ball.

This technique ensures that the cheese remains hidden until the meatball is cooked, resulting in a delightful surprise when bitten into.

Baking and Serving

After forming the meatballs, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Bake them in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until they are cooked through and beautifully browned.

While the meatballs are baking, heat the marinara sauce in a saucepan over medium heat.

This step is essential, as serving the meatballs in warm sauce enhances the overall flavor and presentation.

These cheesy meatballs are versatile and can be served in many ways:

• Over a bed of spaghetti or fettuccine with extra marinara sauce
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• On toasted sub rolls topped with melted provolone
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• With mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a hearty dinner
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• As party appetizers with toothpicks and warm marinara dipping sauce

Garnishing and Enjoying

Once the meatballs are ready, serve them hot in the marinara sauce, garnished with additional chopped parsley for a fresh touch.

The vibrant colors and inviting aroma will surely entice anyone nearby.

Pair these cheesy beef meatballs with a side of crusty bread, perfect for soaking up the rich marinara sauce.

The rustic wooden table setting adds to the homemade feel, making this dish not just a meal, but an experience to savor.

Nutritional Information

This recipe serves four and provides a hearty meal with approximately 470 calories per serving.

Each serving contains 20g of fat and 30g of protein, making it a satisfying choice for meat lovers.

With a balance of flavors and textures, these stuffed meatballs are sure to become a favorite in your household.

Enjoy the comfort of homemade cooking with this delightful dish that brings everyone together around the table.

Tips for the Best Stuffed Cheesy Beef Meatballs

Make sure to fully seal the cheese inside each meatball to prevent it from leaking during baking. Avoid overmixing the beef to keep the texture tender.

For even browning, space the meatballs apart on the baking sheet. You can also chill the formed meatballs for 15 minutes before baking — it helps them hold their shape and prevents the cheese from oozing out too soon.

Storage and Warming of Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan with a bit of marinara sauce over medium heat, or microwave for 1–2 minutes.

These meatballs also freeze well for up to 2 months — just thaw overnight before reheating.