Cheesy Stuffed Beef Meatballs

Cheesy Stuffed Beef Meatballs

Juicy on the outside and gooey on the inside, these Cheesy Stuffed Beef Meatballs are a fun and flavorful twist on classic meatballs. Perfect for pasta dishes, sandwiches, or as a cheesy appetizer!

Ingredients:

Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio preferred)

• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs

• 1 large egg

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Filling:

• 4 oz mozzarella cheese, cut into 1/2-inch cubes

Optional Garnish:

• Fresh parsley

• Grated Parmesan cheese

Kitchen Tools Needed:

• Air fryer

• Large mixing bowl

• Measuring cups and spoons

• Small scoop or spoon (for portioning meatballs)

Preparation Steps:

Mix the Meatball Ingredients:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.

2. Gently mix with your hands or a spatula until the ingredients are evenly combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.

Stuff and Form the Meatballs:

1. Take a tablespoon of the meat mixture and flatten it slightly in your hand.

2. Place a cube of mozzarella cheese in the center, then wrap the meat mixture around the cheese, sealing it completely.

3. Roll into a 1-inch ball and place on a tray. Repeat with the remaining meat mixture and cheese cubes.

Air Frying Steps:

1. Preheat: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F for 3–5 minutes.

2. Load the Basket: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray and arrange the stuffed meatballs in a single layer, leaving space between them. Cook in batches if necessary.

3. Cook the Meatballs: Air fry the meatballs at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Ensure the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F when done.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve with marinara sauce and spaghetti for a cheesy Italian dinner.

• Pair with a fresh side salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.

• Offer as an appetizer with a side of marinara for dipping.

Tips for Success:

• Seal the Cheese: Make sure the cheese is fully enclosed to prevent it from leaking during cooking.

• Use Fresh Mozzarella: Fresh mozzarella provides the best melt and flavor.

• Uniform Sizes: Roll the meatballs evenly to ensure consistent cooking.

Nutrition Estimate (Per Serving):

• Calories: ~300

• Protein: ~22g

• Carbohydrates: ~6g

• Fat: ~20g

These Cheesy Stuffed Beef Meatballs are a crowd-pleasing, gooey delight that will make any meal extra special!