Cheese-Stuffed Pizza Meatballs Recipe

If you’re craving a hearty, comforting dish that’s bursting with flavor and a gooey surprise inside, you’ve got to try my Cheese-Stuffed Pizza Meatballs Recipe. This recipe combines the classic comfort of meatballs with the irresistible charm of melted mozzarella at the center—trust me, it’s a total game-changer. Whether you’re serving family dinner or looking for a party appetizer, these meatballs deliver every time!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together to create a perfect balance of juicy meat, light seasoning, and that amazing pizza flavor you know and love. When shopping, opt for good-quality ground sirloin—the leaner the better—so your meatballs are tender but not greasy.

• Ground sirloin: Lean meat prevents excess grease and keeps the texture perfect.
• Dry bread crumbs: Helps bind and keep meatballs tender without getting soggy.
• Whole milk: Adds moisture to keep the meatballs juicy.
• Onion powder: Gives a subtle savory note that blends well with garlic salt.
• Garlic salt: Adds rich flavor without overpowering.
• Black pepper: Just a hint to enhance the other spices.
• Mozzarella cheese block: Cut into small bite-size cubes for that melty center.
• All-purpose flour: For coating the meatballs so they brown beautifully.
• Olive oil: Adds richness while pan-frying the meatballs.
• Spaghetti sauce (I love Rao’s Marinara): Use a high-quality sauce for the best flavor finish.
• Diced pepperoni: Pepperoni adds a little spicy zest and pizza flair.

Variations

I love that this Cheese-Stuffed Pizza Meatballs Recipe can be tweaked to suit whatever mood I’m in or what I have on hand—sometimes I get creative with the fillings or the sauce. Feel free to personalize it to your taste, that’s what cooking should be about!

• Cheese Swap: I’ve tried replacing mozzarella with cheddar or provolone for a sharper or smokier flavor profile; it’s a hit every time.
• Spice it Up: Sometimes I add red pepper flakes into the meat mixture for a little kick that wakes up the whole dish.
• Make it Meatless: Swap meat for a plant-based crumble and use vegan cheese to keep it comforting and crave-worthy.
• Slow Cooker Version: When I’m short on stove time, I brown the meatballs quickly and let them finish in the crockpot with sauce—perfect fuss-free meal.

How to Make Cheese-Stuffed Pizza Meatballs Recipe

Step 1: Mix and Shape the Meatballs

First things first, toss your ground sirloin, bread crumbs, milk, onion powder, garlic salt, and black pepper into a big bowl. Use your hands (I find it easiest!) to mix everything gently until evenly combined—don’t overwork it or your meatballs can get tough. Then, portion the mixture into 12 equal balls. I like to use a kitchen scale or just eyeball them for consistent cooking.

Step 2: Stuff Each Meatball with Cheese

Here’s the fun part: flatten each meatball gently in your palm, place a mozzarella cube in the center, then carefully wrap the meat around the cheese, sealing it completely. This step took me a couple tries the first time to perfect, but once you get the hang of it, the oozy cheese surprise is totally worth it!

Step 3: Coat and Brown the Meatballs

Pour your flour into a small bowl and roll each cheese-stuffed meatball in it so they have a light coating. This helps them brown nicely without sticking. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and brown the meatballs on all sides—this adds flavor and keeps them tender inside. If you see excess fat in the pan after browning, drain it off (I usually use lean sirloin, so it’s not much).

Step 4: Simmer in Sauce with Pepperoni

Once browned, add your favorite spaghetti sauce and the diced pepperoni to the skillet. Stir gently, bring everything to a simmer, then cover and let cook for about 20 minutes so the meatballs finish cooking through and soak up all that saucy goodness. The pepperoni adds a lovely depth and a little zing that I adore.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Serve these beauties over your favorite pasta, spooned with extra sauce, or slide them into a hoagie bun for a killer meatball sub. I usually garnish with fresh parsley and basil for a pop of color and freshness that cuts through the richness.

How to Serve Cheese-Stuffed Pizza Meatballs Recipe

Garnishes

I always top these meatballs with freshly chopped parsley and basil—nothing brightens a rich tomato sauce like fresh herbs. Sometimes I sprinkle a little grated Parmesan or red pepper flakes to kick it up a notch. Fresh herbs just bring a pop of color and fresh aroma I can’t resist.

Side Dishes

These meatballs shine alongside garlic bread or a simple green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette. When serving over pasta, steamed broccoli or roasted veggies make a nice, balanced plate. For something casual, I love pairing them with some homemade fries or even a crisp coleslaw.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I sometimes serve these meatballs on cocktail sticks with sauce on the side as finger food—a total crowd-pleaser. Another fun idea is layering them in a meatball sub with melted provolone and a drizzle of extra marinara for a stacked sandwich perfect for game day. Presentation is part of the fun!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover cheese-stuffed pizza meatballs refrigerate beautifully for up to 4 days. I store them in an airtight container with some sauce to keep them moist. When I reheat, I heat gently on the stove or in the microwave, covered, so they stay juicy without drying out.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these meatballs both before and after cooking. For uncooked, freeze in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to a bag. Cook them straight from frozen, adding extra simmer time. For cooked meatballs, freeze them with sauce in freezer-safe containers—thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To get leftovers tasting fresh, I reheat meatballs gently on the stovetop over low heat in a covered pan with a splash of water or extra sauce. You can also microwave them covered to keep moisture in, but watch the time so the cheese inside stays melty and gooey without overcooking.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Honestly, I absolutely love how this Cheese-Stuffed Pizza Meatballs Recipe turns out every time I make it. It’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish with that fun melty cheese center that’s just so satisfying. Whether you serve it for a weeknight dinner or your next get-together, it’s a recipe that gets compliments and requests for repeats—trust me, your family and friends will be asking for seconds! Give it a try and enjoy the delicious cheesy hug in every bite.

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