Cheddar Stuffed Meatballs in Marinara

In the world of comfort food, few dishes evoke the same sense of warmth and satisfaction as a plate of meatballs swimming in a rich marinara sauce. Among the myriad of variations, Cheddar Stuffed Meatballs in Marinara stands out as an exceptional combination of flavors and textures. This delightful recipe perfectly marries the savory goodness of homemade meatballs with the creamy, gooey surprise of sharp cheddar cheese nestled within. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner or hosting friends for a cozy gathering, this dish promises to deliver a comforting meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with Cheddar Stuffed Meatballs in Marinara! This delightful recipe brings together the savory taste of homemade meatballs and the creamy surprise of melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings, this dish is easy to prepare with accessible ingredients. As the meatballs simmer in a rich marinara sauce, your kitchen will be filled with an inviting aroma, setting the stage for a memorable meal. Experience the joy of creating this satisfying dish that is sure to impress!

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Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)

1 cup breadcrumbs

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

1 large egg

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, cut into small cubes (for stuffing)

For the Marinara Sauce:

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 small onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes

1 teaspoon dried basil

1 teaspoon sugar (to cut the acidity)

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Meatball Mixture:

- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, minced garlic, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well until fully combined.

Stuff the Meatballs:

- Take a small handful of meat mixture (about 2 tablespoons) and flatten it in your palm. Place a cube of cheddar cheese in the center and encase it by folding the meat mixture around the cheese. Roll it into a ball and set aside. Repeat until all the mixture is used (you should have about 12-14 meatballs).

Cook the Meatballs:

- In a skillet over medium heat, add a little olive oil and brown the meatballs on all sides (about 5-7 minutes). They don't need to be fully cooked through at this stage as they will finish cooking in the marinara sauce.

Prepare the Marinara Sauce:

- In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent (about 5 minutes). Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Add Tomatoes and Simmer:

- Pour in the crushed tomatoes, add the dried basil, sugar, salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it cook for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Combine Meatballs and Sauce:

- Gently place the browned meatballs into the marinara sauce. Cover the saucepan and let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for an additional 15-20 minutes, until cooked through (internal temperature reaches 160°F/70°C).

Serve:

- Serve the cheddar stuffed meatballs hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves. Ideal over spaghetti or with crusty bread on the side to soak up all that delicious marinara sauce.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 minutes | 45 minutes | 4 servings