When you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer, these Cheesy Sausage Meatballs are packed with scrumptious flavors. They’re great finger food (ok, toothpick food). But don’t restrict yourself. Try these on pasta or rice! Instead of marinara, dip them in honey mustard. Or swap out the mozzarella for Monterey Jack.
Cheesy sausage meatballs
Ingredients
- 1 pound 80/20 ground beef
- 1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Marinara sauce (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, milk, egg, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly combined.
- Take a tablespoonful of the beef mixture and flatten it in your hand. Place about 1 teaspoon of shredded mozzarella cheese in the center, then fold the beef mixture around the cheese, shaping it into a ball. Repeat with the remaining beef mixture and cheese.
- Arrange the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each meatball.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and browned on the outside.
- Serve the cheese meatballs with marinara sauce.
- Alternative dipping sauces: Alfredo, creamy garlic, Buffalo sauce, Dill-cucumber, and sesame-soy.