Cheese Stuffed Meatball Skillet

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There’s something absolutely delightful about sinking your teeth into a warm, cheesy meatball that’s nestled in a robust sauce. This Cheese Stuffed Meatball Skillet is the perfect combination of comfort food and culinary fun. With a blend of seasoned ground beef, perfectly melted Havarti cheese, and a rich pasta sauce, this dish is not only satisfying but also incredibly easy to whip up. Whether you’re preparing dinner for your family or having friends over for a cozy evening, this skillet meal is sure to impress!

Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try

The Cheese Stuffed Meatball Skillet is truly a treasure for several reasons. Firstly, it’s a one-pan dish, which means less cleanup for you—hooray! Secondly, the combination of flavors from the meatballs and the savory sauce creates an inviting aroma that fills your kitchen and brings everyone to the table. Additionally, the gooey cheese center adds an unexpected surprise in each bite, elevating traditional meatballs to a new level. Lastly, you can easily customize the recipe to suit your taste preferences. Let’s get cooking!

Ingredients

To create this mouthwatering Cheese Stuffed Meatball Skillet, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 lb. 93% lean ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely diced or grated
• 1 egg
• ⅓ c. grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ c. quick oats
• 2 Tbsp. Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp. garlic powder
• 1 tsp. paprika
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1 Tbsp. olive oil
• ½ lb. Havarti cheese, cut into ½” cubes
• 24 oz. pasta sauce

How To Make Cheese Stuffed Meatball Skillet

Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, grated onion, egg, grated Parmesan, quick oats, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, paprika, and salt. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together until well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as that can yield tough meatballs.

Step 2: Stuff the Meatballs

Take a small amount of the meat mixture and flatten it in the palm of your hand. Place a cube of Havarti cheese in the center and fold the meat around it, shaping it into a ball. Repeat this process until all the meat mixture is formed into stuffed meatballs. You should get about 12-15 meatballs.

Step 3: Brown the Meatballs

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the meatballs to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until they are browned on all sides. Don’t worry about cooking them all the way through; they’ll finish cooking in the sauce.

Step 4: Add the Pasta Sauce

Pour the pasta sauce over the browned meatballs, ensuring they are mostly covered. Reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet with a lid. Let them simmer in the sauce for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the cheese to melt beautifully inside each meatball.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce is bubbling, your Cheese Stuffed Meatball Skillet is ready to serve! Scoop out a generous portion into bowls and enjoy this cheesy delight with crusty bread or a side salad for a hearty meal.

Expert Tips

• To prevent the meatballs from sticking to your hands, wet your hands with a little water before forming them.
• Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese for stuffing, such as mozzarella or cheddar, depending on your taste preferences.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer uncovered for a few minutes to allow some liquid to evaporate.
• For added flavor, consider adding chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil into the meatball mixture.

Variations and Customizations

• Add cooked pasta to the skillet during the final simmer for a complete one-pot meal.
• Spice it up with additional spices or red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
• For a vegetable boost, incorporate finely chopped spinach or bell peppers into the meatball mixture.
• Swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.

How to Store Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (though we doubt that!), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the meatballs and sauce in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave them for a quicker option, but the skillet method will keep the meatballs and sauce from drying out.

FAQ

Can I freeze the Cheese Stuffed Meatballs?

Absolutely! These meatballs freeze exceptionally well. To freeze, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. You can cook them directly from frozen; just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time when heating.

What can I serve with Cheese Stuffed Meatball Skillet?

This dish is versatile! You can serve it over spaghetti, alongside crusty bread, or even with a fresh garden salad. Some people enjoy pairing it with mashed potatoes or rice for a heartier meal.

How do I know when the meatballs are fully cooked?

The best way to check for doneness is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach at least 160°F (70°C) for ground beef. If you don’t have a thermometer, you can cut one meatball in half; it should be no longer pink and the juices should run clear.

Can I make meatballs ahead of time?

Certainly! You can prepare the meatballs ahead of time, store them in the fridge, and then simply cook them in the skillet with sauce when you’re ready to eat. You can also cook the meatballs entirely and then reheat them in the sauce for a quick meal option.

Conclusion

The Cheese Stuffed Meatball Skillet is perfect for anyone looking for a simple yet impressive dish that brings warmth and comfort to the dinner table. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal cleanup, it’s a recipe that can be enjoyed by the entire family. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or prepping for a weekend gathering, these cheesy meatballs are guaranteed to make an unforgettable meal. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to dive into this sensational skillet dish!