Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs: A Flavorful Twist on a Classic Dish
Nothing beats the comforting and satisfying flavors of a well-prepared meatball dish. However, incorporating cheese into the mix takes this classic meal to a whole new level of indulgence. This article provides a delicious recipe for cheese-stuffed meatballs that will surely become your family’s new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 lb ground pork
– 1 cup breadcrumbs
– 2 large eggs, beaten
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup milk
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8 oz mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes (about 24 pieces)
– 2 cups marinara sauce
Instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, eggs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, milk, garlic, salt, and pepper.
2. Using clean hands or a fork, gently mix all ingredients until everything is thoroughly combined. Be cautious not to overwork the meat mixture; otherwise, you may end up with tough meatballs.
3. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
4. Scoop out approximately two tablespoons of the meat mixture and form it into a ball using your hands. Create an indentation in the center using your finger or spoon.
5. Place a mozzarella cube in the indentation and enclose it with the meat mixture, ensuring that the cheese is fully concealed to avoid any leakage during cooking.
6. Repeat this process with the remaining meat mixture and mozzarella cubes.
7. Arrange the stuffed meatballs on the prepared baking sheet with at least an inch of space between each.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and have reached an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C).
9. While the meatballs are baking, heat the marinara sauce in a saucepan over medium-low heat.
10. Once the meatballs are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving.
11. To serve, spoon some warm marinara sauce onto a plate or shallow bowl, and arrange your desired amount of cheese-stuffed meatballs on top. Sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley as garnish if desired.
These mouthwatering cheese-stuffed meatballs can be enjoyed with spaghetti, rice, or even just on their own. This recipe will guarantee smiles around the dinner table and leave everyone craving more of this fantastic twist on a classic dish.