This mouthwatering recipe combines the savory richness of minced meat, the freshness of parsley, the umami of Parmesan and cheddar, and a robust tomato sauce. Whether you’re preparing a comforting dinner for your family or looking to impress guests with a hearty dish, these cheesy garlic meatballs are sure to be a hit. With each bite, you’ll experience the perfect blend of flavors, from the juicy meatball to the melted cheese and the tangy tomato sauce.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• Minced Meat: 1 kg (2 lb)
• Parsley: 40 g (1.4 oz), finely chopped
• Bread Crumbs: 100 g (3.5 oz)
• Parmesan Cheese: 100 g (3.5 oz), grated
• Salt: 10 g (0.4 oz)
• Black Pepper: 5 g (0.2 oz)
• Garlic: 10 g (0.4 oz), minced
• Egg: 1 large

For the Filling:

• Cheddar Cheese: 100 g (3.5 oz), cubed

For the Tomato Sauce:

• Garlic: 15 g (0.5 oz), minced
• Tomato Sauce: 200 ml (6.8 fl oz)
• Salt: to taste
• Black Pepper: to taste
• Cheddar Cheese: 100 g (3.5 oz), grated

Instructions

1. Prepare the Meatballs

1. Mix the Ingredients:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the minced meat, finely chopped parsley, bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, minced garlic, and the egg. Use your hands to mix everything together thoroughly. The mixture should be moist but firm enough to hold its shape.
2. Form the Meatballs:
   • Take a small amount of the meat mixture (about the size of a golf ball) and flatten it slightly in your palm. Place a cube of cheddar cheese in the center and fold the meat around it, forming a ball. Ensure the cheese is fully enclosed by the meat to prevent it from leaking out during cooking. Repeat this process until all the meat mixture is used up.
3. Cook the Meatballs:
   • Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the meatballs in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Cook the meatballs, turning them frequently to brown on all sides. This should take about 10-12 minutes per batch. Once cooked, remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

2. Prepare the Tomato Sauce

1. Sauté the Garlic:
   • In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed and sauté the minced garlic over medium heat. Stir constantly to avoid burning, and cook until the garlic is golden and fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
2. Add the Tomato Sauce:
   • Pour in the tomato sauce, stirring well to combine with the garlic. Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste. You can also add a pinch of sugar if the sauce is too acidic. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat and let it cook for 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened.
3. Add the Meatballs:
   • Return the cooked meatballs to the skillet with the tomato sauce. Spoon the sauce over the meatballs to ensure they are well-coated. Cover the skillet with a lid and let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
4. Top with Cheese:
   • After the meatballs have simmered, sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese over them. Cover the skillet again and cook on low heat for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and is bubbly. The cheese should form a gooey layer on top of the meatballs, adding extra richness to the dish.

3. Serve

1. Plate the Dish:
   • Carefully transfer the meatballs to a serving platter, spooning any remaining sauce over the top. These meatballs are perfect served over a bed of pasta, with a side of garlic bread, or even on their own as a hearty appetizer.
2. Garnish and Enjoy:
   • Garnish the meatballs with freshly chopped parsley or basil for a pop of color and added freshness. Serve hot and enjoy the savory, cheesy goodness of these delicious meatballs!

Additional Information

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving):

• Calories: 450 kcal
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Cholesterol: 90mg
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 3g

Tips for Success

1. Meat Choices:
   • For the best flavor, consider using a mix of beef and pork. This combination gives the meatballs a rich taste and tender texture. If you’re looking for a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken can also be used, though the texture might be slightly different.
2. Cheese Varieties:
   • While cheddar is a great choice for its sharpness, you can experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella for a milder flavor or gouda for a smoky twist. Each cheese will bring its unique flavor to the dish.
3. Making Ahead:
   • These meatballs can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before cooking. You can also freeze them for longer storage. Simply form the meatballs, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to cook, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight.
4. Serving Suggestions:
   • These meatballs are versatile and can be served in various ways. They are excellent over spaghetti or fettuccine, served with mashed potatoes, or even stuffed into a sandwich roll for a delicious meatball sub.
5. Leftover Ideas:
   • If you have leftovers, they can be reheated in the oven or microwave. These meatballs also make a great addition to a homemade pizza or can be crumbled over a salad for a protein-packed lunch.

Questions You Might Have

1. Can I make these meatballs gluten-free?
   • Yes, you can use gluten-free bread crumbs or almond flour as a substitute for regular bread crumbs to make this dish gluten-free.
2. Can I use pre-made tomato sauce?
   • Absolutely! If you’re short on time, a good-quality store-bought tomato sauce can be used instead of making your own. Just make sure to adjust the seasoning accordingly.
3. What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese?
   • Pecorino Romano is a good substitute for Parmesan if you prefer a stronger, saltier flavor. Grana Padano is another option that is slightly milder than Parmesan.
4. How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out of the meatballs?
   • Make sure to fully enclose the cheese within the meatball by pinching the edges of the meat together tightly around the cheese. If the meatballs are well-formed, the cheese should stay inside during cooking.
5. What side dishes pair well with these meatballs?
   • Aside from pasta, these meatballs pair wonderfully with roasted vegetables, a crisp green salad, or garlic bread. For a lighter meal, you can serve them with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.

Conclusion

These cheesy garlic meatballs are a flavorful and satisfying dish that will quickly become a family favorite. With the gooey cheese center and savory tomato sauce, they are perfect for any meal, whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a special gathering. Enjoy the process of making these delicious meatballs and savor the rich, comforting flavors with every bite!