Easy Cheesy Meatballs: A Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food
Introduction:
Satisfy your craving for comfort food with these easy cheesy meatballs. Perfectly seasoned and packed with gooey cheese in every bite, these meatballs are sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether served as a hearty appetizer, a flavorful addition to pasta dishes, or tucked into a sandwich for a satisfying meal, these cheesy meatballs are versatile, delicious, and oh-so-easy to make. Let’s dive into the recipe and get cooking!
Ingredients:
For the meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Mozzarella cheese cubes (about 1/2 inch in size)
For the sauce:
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce (or homemade sauce if preferred)
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Take a small amount of the meat mixture and flatten it in the palm of your hand. Place a mozzarella cheese cube in the center, then gently fold the meat around the cheese to form a ball. Repeat with the remaining meat mixture and cheese cubes.
- Arrange the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each meatball to allow for even cooking.
- Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are cooked through and browned on the outside.
- While the meatballs are baking, heat the marinara sauce in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the dried Italian seasoning and let the sauce simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Once the meatballs are cooked, remove them from the oven and carefully transfer them to the simmering marinara sauce.
- Gently toss the meatballs in the sauce until they are evenly coated.
- Serve the easy cheesy meatballs hot, garnished with chopped fresh basil leaves if desired.
- Enjoy these delicious meatballs on their own as an appetizer, over pasta for a comforting meal, or stuffed into a sandwich for a hearty lunch.
Conclusion:
These easy cheesy meatballs are a true crowd-pleaser, perfect for any occasion. With their flavorful meat mixture and oozing cheese center, they’re sure to become a favorite in your household. So whip up a batch today and enjoy the irresistible combination of savory meat and gooey cheese in every bite!