Quick Description
These cheesy stuffed meatballs are juicy, flavorful, and loaded with melted cheese in every bite. Baked in a rich sauce and topped with even more cheese, this dish is perfect for a comforting, high-protein dinner or meal prep.
Servings & Timing
- Servings: 4–6
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
- Total Time: 45–50 minutes
Ingredients List
Meatballs
- 1 lb ground beef (or beef + chicken mix)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (or almond flour for low-carb)
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Filling
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese cubes
Sauce
- 1 cup marinara sauce (or tomato sauce)
Topping
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the meat mixture
In a bowl, combine:
- ground meat
- breadcrumbs
- egg
- garlic
- parsley
- all spices
Mix until well combined (don’t overmix).
2. Stuff the meatballs
Take a small portion of meat, flatten it, place a cube of mozzarella in the center, and roll into a ball.
Repeat until all meat is used.
3. Arrange in baking dish
Place all meatballs in a greased baking dish.
4. Add sauce
Pour marinara sauce evenly over the meatballs.
5. Bake
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bake for 20 minutes.
6. Add cheese topping
Remove from oven, sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
7. Final bake
Bake again for 5–10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Serve
Serve hot with extra sauce or garnish with parsley.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with rice or mashed potatoes
- Pair with zucchini noodles for low-carb
- Use in sandwiches or wraps
- Serve with salad for a balanced meal
Storage
- Store in fridge up to 4 days
- Freeze for up to 2 months
- Reheat in oven or microwave
Tips & Variations
- Use chicken or turkey for lighter version
- Add chili flakes for spice
- Use cheddar or mixed cheese for different flavor
- Skip breadcrumbs for keto version
- Add veggies inside for extra nutrition
Nutrition (Approx per serving)
- Calories: 300–400
- Protein: 25–30g
- Carbs: 6–10g
- Fat: 18–22g
Benefits
- High-protein meal
- Filling and satisfying
- Great for meal prep
- Family-friendly
- Customizable
Brief Introduction
These meatballs are everything you want in comfort food—juicy, cheesy, and full of flavor. The melted cheese inside makes every bite rich and satisfying, while the baked sauce keeps them moist and delicious.
Perfect for busy days when you want something hearty but easy to prepare.
