Description
If you’re on the hunt for a mouthwatering dish that combines the best of two worlds—meatballs and barbecue—look no further than Mozzarella Stuffed BBQ Meatball Bombs! These delightful morsels are not just an ordinary meatball; they are a flavor explosion that will make your taste buds sing. Picture this: juicy meatballs made from a savory blend of ground beef and pork, each encasing a gooey cube of mozzarella cheese, all slathered in tangy BBQ sauce. Perfect as appetizers for your next gathering or as a hearty family meal, these meatball bombs are a must-try.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground Beef: Provides a rich, hearty base for the meatballs.
- 1 lb Ground Pork: Adds moisture and flavor, making the meatballs tender.
- 1 cup Breadcrumbs: Acts as a binder, giving the meatballs structure while keeping them moist.
- 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor that enhances the overall taste.
- 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley, Chopped: Brings brightness and freshness to the meatballs.
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder: Infuses a savory depth of flavor.
- 1 tsp Onion Powder: Adds subtle sweetness and enhances the savory notes.
- 1/2 tsp Salt: Essential for enhancing all the flavors in the meat mixture.
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper: Provides a hint of heat and complexity.
- 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese, Cubed: The star of the show, delivering that gooey, cheesy surprise!
- 1 cup BBQ Sauce: The perfect glaze to tie everything together with its sweet and smoky flavors.
- 1/4 cup Olive Oil: Helps in browning the meatballs and adds richness.
- 1/2 tsp Smoked Paprika: Introduces a smoky flavor that complements the BBQ sauce beautifully.
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your meatballs cook evenly and get that perfect golden-brown finish.
Mixing the Meat
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef and ground pork. Add in the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands to mix everything together until well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough meatballs.
Forming the Meatballs
Now comes the fun part! Take a small handful of the meat mixture and flatten it in the palm of your hand. Place a cube of mozzarella cheese in the center and carefully wrap the meat around it, sealing the cheese inside. Roll it into a ball and repeat this process until all the meat mixture is used up. Don’t worry if they’re not perfect; the love you put into them will shine through!
Preparing the Baking Sheet
Line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. Once lined, place your meatballs on the sheet, ensuring they have a bit of space between them for even cooking.
Baking the Meatballs
Drizzle olive oil over the meatballs, and sprinkle smoked paprika on top for an extra layer of flavor. Pop the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Coating with BBQ Sauce
Once your meatballs are cooked, take them out of the oven and brush a generous amount of BBQ sauce over each one. Return the meatballs to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes. This allows the sauce to caramelize and enhances the overall flavor. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!
Serving Suggestions
Let the meatballs cool slightly before serving; they’ll be hot! Serve them as a finger food at parties, toss them into a sub for a delicious meatball sandwich, or enjoy them over a bed of rice or pasta. Pair with extra BBQ sauce for dipping, and watch them disappear!
Notes
- Mixing and Handling Meat: Use your hands to mix the meat gently. Overmixing can lead to dense meatballs. Keep it light!
- Avoiding Dry Meatballs: Ensure you’re not overcooking them. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
- Flavor Variations: Feel free to experiment with different spices or herbs. Add some crushed red pepper for heat or basil for an Italian twist.
- Storage Tips: Leftover meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven for the best results.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 meatballs
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 50mg