Cheesy Baked Meatballs
These cheesy baked meatballs are juicy, flavorful, and oozing with melted cheese in every bite. They’re easy to prepare, perfect for family dinners, parties, or even meal prep. Serve them with pasta, rice, bread, or enjoy them as a snack with dipping sauce.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Extra shredded cheese for topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish or line with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, onion, garlic, milk, parmesan, shredded cheese, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and paprika. Mix until just combined—avoid overmixing.
- Shape mixture into 1 1/2-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 20 minutes, then remove and sprinkle extra cheese on top of each meatball.
- Return to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly, and meatballs are fully cooked through.
- Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley.
Variations
- Stuffed Meatballs: Hide a cube of mozzarella inside each meatball for a gooey center.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or jalapeños.
- Low-Carb Option: Replace breadcrumbs with almond flour.
- Saucy Twist: Bake meatballs in marinara or barbecue sauce.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, 6 servings)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 385 |
| Protein | 26g |
| Carbohydrates | 10g |
| Fat | 28g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 2g |
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooked meatballs for up to 2 months. Reheat directly in the oven or air fryer.
- Reheating: Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 minutes or in an air fryer for 5 minutes until hot and crispy.
Pro Tips
- Use a mix of beef and pork for richer flavor.
- Don’t overmix the meat mixture—this keeps meatballs tender.
- Use an ice cream scoop for evenly sized meatballs.
- For extra juiciness, brush meatballs lightly with olive oil before baking.
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