Cheese Filled Meatballs
Cheese-filled meatballs simmered in a savory tomato sauce with onions, perfect for hearty family dinners and gatherings, offering rich flavors and satisfying textures.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix beef, bread crumbs, eggs, grated onions, parsley, salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper in a bowl.
- Shape the mixture around cheese chunks, forming meatballs about 1 1/2 inches in diameter.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large kettle over medium heat.
- Brown the meatballs evenly on all sides. Remove and keep warm.
- Saute chopped onions in meat drippings until translucent.
- Add tomato juice and remaining 1/4 teaspoon pepper to the onions.
- Bring to a boil. Stir in noodles gradually so the liquid continues boiling. Cook for 5 minutes.
- Add meatballs to the sauce. Cover and simmer for 7 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, try adding grated parmesan cheese to the meat mixture. You can substitute the beef chuck with ground turkey for a lighter option. If you prefer a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes to the sauce. Ensure the meatballs are browned evenly to enhance the flavor, and consider using homemade breadcrumbs for a fresher taste.
Serving Suggestions
These cheese-filled meatballs are delightful served over a bed of spaghetti or alongside garlic bread. They also pair beautifully with Honey Baked Beans for a comforting meal. For a complete dinner, consider a side salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness of the meatballs and sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or tomato juice to prevent drying out. Alternatively, you can microwave them in a covered dish, stirring occasionally for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheese Filled Meatballs contains roughly 982 calories, with 71g protein, 82g carbohydrates, and 42g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (141% of the Daily Value), iron (131% of the Daily Value), and potassium (54% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2517mg per serving (109% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of cheese for the meatballs?
Yes, you can use mozzarella or cheddar cheese instead of brick cheese for a different flavor profile. Just ensure that the cheese melts well to maintain the gooey texture inside the meatballs.
How can I make these meatballs gluten-free?
To make gluten-free cheese-filled meatballs, substitute the fine dry bread crumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour. Ensure all other ingredients, including the tomato juice, are certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.
Can I prepare the meatballs ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can shape the meatballs and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking. This allows the flavors to meld. Alternatively, you can freeze them uncooked for up to 3 months and cook them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).