Cheeseburger Stuffed Meatballs are a fun and delicious twist on the classic cheeseburger! Imagine juicy meatballs filled with melty cheese, seasoned to perfection, and then baked or pan-fried for that satisfying, cheesy bite. Perfect for serving as an appetizer, in a sandwich, or with a side of your favorite dipping sauce. 🍔🧀
🕒 Time: 20 minutes prep + 15–20 minutes cooking
🍽 Serves: 4–6
🌟 Ingredients:
For the Meatballs:
- 500g ground beef (preferably 80/20 for juiciness)
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (or panko)
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for the filling) 🧀
For the Toppings (optional):
- Sliced pickles 🥒
- Lettuce leaves 🥬
- Sliced tomato 🍅
- Ketchup and mustard (for serving) 🍔
🔪 Instructions:
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture:
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Mix until just combined. Don’t overmix to keep the meatballs tender.
- Form the Meatballs:
- Take a small amount of the meat mixture and flatten it into a patty (about the size of a golf ball).
- Place a small cube of cheddar cheese (about 1 tbsp) in the center of the patty.
- Carefully fold the edges of the patty over the cheese and roll it into a ball, sealing the cheese inside. Repeat with the remaining mixture.
- Cook the Meatballs:
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a little oil.
- Once the skillet is hot, carefully add the meatballs and cook, turning occasionally, for about 10–12 minutes, until they are browned on all sides and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 160°F/70°C).
- Alternatively, you can bake the meatballs on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 15–20 minutes, or until cooked through.
- Serve:
- Serve the cheeseburger stuffed meatballs hot with your favorite dipping sauces (ketchup, mustard, BBQ sauce) or atop a bed of lettuce for a low-carb option.
- For a fun twist, serve them in small buns like mini sliders or with pickles and fresh tomato slices.
🍽️ Perfect Pairings:
- Crispy French fries 🍟
- Coleslaw 🥗
- A fresh side salad 🥬
- Onion rings 🍔
- A side of BBQ sauce or ranch for dipping 🍯
💡 Tips:
- Customize the cheese: You can use mozzarella, Swiss, or American cheese for a different flavor.
- For extra flavor: Try mixing a bit of finely chopped onions or garlic into the meatball mixture.
- Baking alternative: If you prefer, bake the stuffed meatballs in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes until golden and cheesy inside.
Cheeseburger Stuffed Meatballs = juicy, cheesy, and loaded with flavor! A bite of cheeseburger inside a perfectly cooked meatball. 🍔🧀
Would you like a spicy jalapeño version with some heat inside the meatballs? 🌶️
