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Easy Cheesy Meatballs Kids Love

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A quick and easy recipe for juicy meatballs with a gooey cheddar cheese center, perfect for busy weeknights and family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend recommended for juiciness)
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (for that gooey center)
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian seasoned)
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional)
  • 1 cup marinara or your favorite pasta sauce (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil (for sautéing garlic if using sauce)
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced (for sauce)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and parsley. Mix gently until just combined.
  3. Take about 1.5 tablespoons of the meat mixture and flatten it slightly in your palm. Place about 1 teaspoon of shredded cheddar cheese in the center, then fold the meat around it, rolling it into a smooth ball. Repeat with the rest of the mixture.
  4. Arrange the meatballs evenly on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart.
  5. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until meatballs are cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
  6. While the meatballs bake, prepare the sauce if using: heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, sauté minced garlic until fragrant (about 30 seconds), then pour in marinara sauce and warm for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  7. Once meatballs are done, carefully transfer them to the sauce and simmer gently for 2-3 minutes to let flavors marry.
  8. Serve hot, pairing with spaghetti, mashed potatoes, or a green salad.

Notes

Do not overmix the meat to keep meatballs tender. Seal cheese well inside meatballs to prevent leaking. Use a meat thermometer to ensure doneness. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. For gluten-free, substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs.

Nutrition

Keywords: meatballs, cheesy meatballs, kid-friendly dinner, quick dinner, family dinner, ground beef, cheddar cheese

Find it online: https://sizzlesprout.com/easy-cheesy-meatballs-kids-love-recipe-5-perfect-family-dinners/