Cheesy Baked Meatballs with Herbs are tender, flavorful meatballs stuffed with melted cheese and baked to perfection in a savory tomato sauce. Packed with aromatic herbs and rich in taste, they’re perfect for weeknight meals or entertaining guests.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Juicy and Flavorful: Made with a blend of herbs and cheeses for maximum taste.
Oven-Baked Convenience: No frying required—just bake and enjoy.
Melty Cheese Center: A gooey surprise in every bite.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Serve as an appetizer, in a sandwich, or over pasta.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ground beef (or a beef/pork blend)
Egg
Breadcrumbs
Garlic (minced)
Onion (grated or finely chopped)
Fresh parsley
Dried oregano
Salt and pepper
Mozzarella cubes (for stuffing)
Grated Parmesan
Tomato sauce
Olive oil

Directions

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Mix the Meatball Mixture: In a bowl, combine ground meat, egg, breadcrumbs, garlic, onion, herbs, Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
Stuff the Meatballs: Form small balls of meat, place a cube of mozzarella in the center, and seal the meat around it.
Bake: Place meatballs in a greased baking dish. Spoon tomato sauce over them. Bake for 25–30 minutes until cooked through and cheese is melted.
Serve: Garnish with additional herbs and Parmesan. Serve hot.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4–6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

Different Fillings: Use cheddar or provolone for variety.
Add Heat: Include chili flakes or hot sauce in the mix.
Turkey or Chicken: Substitute beef with leaner meats for a lighter version.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheating: Warm in the oven or microwave until heated through.

FAQs

Can I freeze the meatballs?

Yes, freeze them before or after baking. Thaw and reheat when needed.

What type of cheese works best inside?

Mozzarella is ideal for its meltability, but provolone or gouda also work well.

Can I cook them without tomato sauce?

Yes, bake them on a greased tray or in broth for a different variation.

Are these suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely. They store and reheat well for quick future meals.

Can I make these meatballs gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and check all labels.

Should I use fresh or dried herbs?

Fresh herbs offer brighter flavor, but dried herbs are convenient and still effective.

What can I serve with these meatballs?

Serve over spaghetti, in subs, or alongside a fresh salad or garlic bread.

Can I make them smaller for appetizers?

Yes, make mini meatballs for bite-sized party snacks.

Why did my meatballs fall apart?

Ensure proper binding with enough egg and breadcrumbs, and don’t overmix the meat.

How do I prevent cheese from leaking out?

Seal the meatballs tightly around the cheese and avoid overfilling.

Conclusion

Cheesy Baked Meatballs with Herbs are a delicious and comforting dish that combines savory meat, gooey cheese, and aromatic herbs. Whether served with pasta or as a stand-alone entree, they deliver rich flavors and satisfying texture that everyone will enjoy.

Cheesy Baked Meatballs with Herbs

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Cheesy Baked Meatballs with Herbs are juicy, oven-baked meatballs filled with gooey mozzarella and seasoned with herbs, all smothered in savory tomato sauce.

Author: Emma Harper
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Bake
Cuisine: Italian-American
Diet: Halal

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large bowl, combine ground meat, egg, breadcrumbs, garlic, onion, parsley, oregano, salt, pepper, and Parmesan. Mix until fully incorporated.
Take a small amount of meat mixture and form into a ball, pressing a cube of mozzarella into the center. Seal well.
Place meatballs into a greased baking dish and spoon tomato sauce over them.
Bake for 25–30 minutes or until meatballs are cooked through and cheese is melted inside.
Garnish with additional Parmesan and parsley before serving.