Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs & Potatoes
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
Servings: 4–6
Ingredients:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup onion, finely chopped
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley or 1 tsp dried
- 4–6 cubes of mozzarella or cheddar cheese (½-inch pieces)
For the Potatoes:
- 4–5 medium potatoes, cut into chunks or wedges
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp dried rosemary or thyme
- Salt & pepper to taste
Optional for Serving:
- Marinara sauce for dipping
- Extra shredded cheese
- Fresh herbs for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat Oven
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a large baking dish.
2. Prep the Potatoes
- In a large bowl, toss the potato chunks with:
- Olive oil
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
- Rosemary/thyme
- Salt and pepper
- Spread evenly on one side of the prepared baking sheet.
3. Make the Meatballs
- In a mixing bowl, combine:
- Ground meat
- Breadcrumbs
- Egg
- Garlic
- Onion
- Italian seasoning
- Salt, pepper, and parsley
- Mix until just combined (don’t overwork the meat).
4. Stuff the Meatballs
- Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the meat mixture and flatten it in your hand.
- Place a cube of cheese in the center and wrap the meat around it, sealing it well.
- Roll into a ball and place on the baking sheet next to the potatoes.
5. Bake
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until meatballs are browned and cooked through and potatoes are golden and crispy.
- Optional: In the last 5 minutes, sprinkle shredded cheese over the meatballs or potatoes and let it melt.
6. Serve
- Serve hot, garnished with parsley or extra cheese, and a side of marinara, ranch, or spicy dipping sauce.
Tips & Variations:
- Add veggies: Roast bell peppers or zucchini on the same tray.
- Saucy version: After baking, simmer meatballs in marinara sauce and serve over mashed potatoes or pasta.
- Air fryer version: Cook meatballs and potatoes separately at 375°F for 12–15 minutes each.