Cheddar Stuffed Meatballs in Marinara

Cooking meatballs to perfection is an art that combines the right temperature, texture, and flavor. The ideal meatball should be browned on the outside, juicy on the inside, and not overcooked to the point of drying out. Here are some key indicators to help you determine when your cheddar stuffed meatballs are ready to serve:

Cheddar Stuffed Meatballs in Marinara

Discover the ultimate comfort food with Cheddar Stuffed Meatballs in Marinara! This recipe combines juicy meatballs made from a savory blend of beef and pork, expertly stuffed with gooey cheddar cheese, and nestled in a rich marinara sauce. The delicious fusion of flavors and textures makes this dish a perfect hearty meal that's sure to warm your soul. Whether for family gatherings or cozy nights in, these meatballs are a delightful indulgence. Try this comforting recipe today and savor the cheesy goodness!

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Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

1 lb ground beef (80/20 for juiciness)

1 lb ground pork

1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Italian seasoned)

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

1/2 cup onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 large egg, lightly beaten

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 cup sharp cheddar cheese cubes (about 1/2-inch)

For the Marinara Sauce:

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 small onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes

1 teaspoon sugar (to balance acidity)

1 teaspoon dried basil

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the Meatball Mixture:

- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, chopped onion, minced garlic, beaten egg, salt, pepper, and dried oregano. Mix until just combined—be careful not to overmix.

Stuff Cheddar into Meatballs:

- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

- Take about 2 tablespoons of the meat mixture and flatten it in your palm. Place a cube of cheddar cheese in the center and fold the meat around the cheese to form a ball. Repeat until all the meat mixture is used, placing the meatballs on a baking sheet.

Bake the Meatballs:

- Place the baking sheet with meatballs in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until they are browned and cooked through.

Make the Marinara Sauce:

- While the meatballs are baking, heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent (about 5 minutes). Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, sugar, dried basil, oregano, and salt and pepper. Simmer the sauce for about 15 minutes to blend flavors.

Combine Meatballs with Sauce:

- Once the meatballs are cooked, carefully place them into the marinara sauce and allow them to simmer for another 5 minutes, ensuring they soak up the flavors.

Serve:

- Serve the cheddar stuffed meatballs hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves. They pair beautifully with spaghetti, garlic bread, or even just on their own!

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 4-6 servings