Cheeseburger Stuffed Meatballs

These cheeseburger stuffed meatballs are the ultimate appetizer or weeknight comfort food. I pack each juicy meatball with a surprise center of melty cheddar cheese and serve them with classic burger toppings for a fun, bite-sized twist on a favorite American dish. Whether I’m hosting game day or feeding the family, these meatballs never fail to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make with simple ingredients
• Cheesy, juicy center in every bite
• Kid-friendly and fun to eat
• Great for parties, potlucks, or casual dinners
• Customizable with your favorite burger toppings and sauces

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Meatballs

• 2 pounds lean ground beef
• ⅔ cup seasoned bread crumbs
• 2 tablespoons grated onion
• 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 egg

For the Stuffing

• 6 cheddar cheese sticks, cut into 4 pieces each

Optional Toppings

• Dill pickles
• Tomato slices
• Lettuce leaves
• Spicy dipping sauce or burger sauce

Directions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
I preheat my oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Make the Meatball Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, I combine the ground beef, bread crumbs, grated onion, mustard, ketchup, mayonnaise, and egg. I mix everything until just combined to keep the meatballs tender.

Step 3: Stuff the Meatballs
I divide the mixture into 24 equal portions. Then I flatten each one in my palm, place a piece of cheddar cheese in the center, and fold the meat over it, rolling gently into a ball.

Step 4: Bake
I arrange the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet and bake them for 25 minutes, until fully cooked and golden on the outside.

Step 5: Rest and Serve
I let the meatballs rest for 5 minutes after baking. Then I serve them warm with toppings and sauces on the side.

Servings and Timing

Yield: 24 meatballs
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Slider Style: Serve each meatball on a mini bun for cheeseburger sliders.
• Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños to the meat mixture.
• Bacon Twist: Wrap each meatball in half a strip of bacon before baking.
• Turkey Version: Use lean ground turkey instead of beef for a lighter option.
• Stuffed with Variety: Try pepper jack or mozzarella in place of cheddar.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerator:
I store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. I layer parchment paper if stacking them.

Freezer:
To freeze, I arrange meatballs on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They last up to 3 months.

Reheating:

• Oven: 350°F for 10–15 minutes
• Microwave: In 30-second intervals until heated through
• Stovetop: Heat in a covered skillet for about 5–7 minutes over medium heat

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, I often switch to ground turkey for a leaner option. The result is still flavorful and juicy.

What’s the best cheese for stuffing these meatballs?

I prefer cheddar for that classic cheeseburger taste, but mozzarella or pepper jack also work well.

Can I make them ahead of time?

Absolutely. I prep and refrigerate them raw up to one day in advance or freeze them uncooked for future baking.

How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out?

I make sure the cheese is fully enclosed in the meat mixture and chill the formed meatballs before baking to help them keep their shape.

What’s the best dipping sauce to serve with these?

Spicy burger sauce, ranch, or a smoky BBQ dip pair perfectly with the savory meatballs.

Conclusion

Cheeseburger stuffed meatballs are one of my favorite ways to combine comfort food and creativity. With a gooey cheese center and endless topping options, they’re always a hit—whether I’m serving a crowd or just making something fun for dinner. Try them once and they’ll earn a permanent spot in your recipe rotation.

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