Pizza Meatballs
Pizza Meatballs are a fun and delicious twist on traditional meatballs, featuring ground beef wrapped around gooey mozzarella cheese and baked in savory pizza sauce. Perfect for family dinners or game day snacks, these bite-sized delights are sure to please both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine ground beef, bread crumbs, milk, onion, garlic salt, and pepper; mix well.
- Cover each cube of cheese with about 1 tablespoon of meat mixture, carefully sealing all around.
- Place meatballs in a lightly greased 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish.
- Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 20 to 25 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter option, consider using ground turkey instead of beef. If you don’t have Italian style breadcrumbs, homemade breadcrumbs mixed with Italian seasoning will work just as well. You can also add chopped fresh herbs like basil or oregano for extra flavor. Be sure to seal the cheese well to prevent it from leaking during baking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these pizza meatballs with a side of spaghetti for a fun and interactive meal, or pair them with a fresh salad for a lighter option. They also make a great appetizer for parties, especially with a side of extra pizza sauce for dipping. For a complete Italian experience, consider serving alongside Easy Spaghetti Bake.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture, heating for 1-2 minutes until warmed through. They can also be reheated in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pizza Meatballs contains roughly 419 calories, with 22g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (70% of the Daily Value), protein (44% of the Daily Value), and vitamin D (38% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1167mg per serving (51% 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 freeze the pizza meatballs for later use?
Yes, pizza meatballs freeze well! After baking, let them cool completely and then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before warming in the oven or microwave.
What can I use instead of mozzarella cheese?
If you want a different flavor, you can substitute mozzarella with provolone or even a sharp cheddar cheese. Just keep in mind that the melting properties may vary slightly. For a more gourmet touch, consider using a blend of cheeses like fontina or gouda.
How do I know when the meatballs are fully cooked?
To ensure the meatballs are fully cooked, check that they reach an internal temperature of 160°F using a meat thermometer. They should be firm to the touch and no longer pink in the center. If you’re unsure, cut one open to check for doneness.
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).