Stuffed Meatballs with Cheese

These recipes are perfect for those nights when you want to whip up something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of flavorful stuffed meatballs and a simple yet tasty salad makes for a satisfying meal that’s sure to impress. Let’s dive into these quick and easy recipes!

Ingredients

  • 1 processed cheese, melted
  • 3.5 tablespoons butter (50 g)
  • Dill, to taste
  • Smoked red pepper, to taste
  • 1 pound (450 g) minced meat
  • 1 egg
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 3 tablespoons breadcrumbs
  • 1 cup (240 ml) milk
  • 1 teaspoon ginger, ground
  • 1 teaspoon nutmeg, ground
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • Olive oil, for cooking

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cheese Mixture:

  • Melt the cheese and butter:
    In a small bowl, combine 1 processed cheese and 3.5 tablespoons of melted butter. Stir until smooth.
  • Add flavorings:
    Mix in chopped dill and smoked red pepper to taste. Set aside.

2. Prepare the Meat Mixture:

  • Combine the ingredients:
    In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 pound of minced meat, 1 egg, finely chopped onion, 3 tablespoons of breadcrumbs, 1 cup of milk, 1 teaspoon each of ginger and nutmeg, salt, black pepper, and 2 finely chopped garlic cloves. Mix until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.

3. Shape the Meatballs:

  • Form the meatballs:
    Take a portion of the meat mixture and roll it into a ball. Create a well in the center of each meatball using your thumb.

4. Stuff with Cheese:

  • Fill the meatballs:
    Fill the wells in the meatballs with the prepared cheese mixture. Gently reshape the meatballs to enclose the cheese filling.

5. Coat and Fry:

  • Coat the meatballs:
    Lightly coat each meatball in plain flour to help them brown nicely when cooked.
  • Fry the meatballs:
    Heat olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the meatballs in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) using a meat thermometer.
  • Rest and serve:
    Once cooked, remove the meatballs from the pan and let them rest on a plate lined with paper towels. This will absorb any excess oil.

Tips for Perfect Meatballs

  • Hot oil: Ensure the oil is hot before adding the meatballs to achieve a crispy exterior.
  • Batch cooking: Cook the meatballs in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which helps them cook evenly.
  • Temperature check: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the meatballs reaches 160°F (71°C) for safe consumption.

Simple and Flavorful Salad

Ingredients

  • 1 tomato, diced
  • 1.8 oz (50 g) cheese, grated
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
  • Olive oil, to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Ingredients:

  • Dice and grate:
    Dice 1 tomato and grate 50 g of cheese. Mince 1 clove of garlic.

2. Mix the Salad:

  • Combine the ingredients:
    In a mixing bowl, combine the diced tomato, grated cheese, minced garlic, and 1 teaspoon of sesame seeds. Season with black pepper to taste.
  • Dress the salad:
    Add 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise and a drizzle of olive oil. Toss until everything is well coated and evenly mixed.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve the stuffed meatballs hot, paired with the simple salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
  • Enjoy this meal with a slice of crusty bread or over a bed of rice or pasta for a heartier option.

Nutritional Information

  • Stuffed Meatballs (per serving):
    • Calories: 300 kcal
    • Total Fat: 20 g
    • Saturated Fat: 8 g
    • Cholesterol: 100 mg
    • Sodium: 500 mg
    • Total Carbohydrates: 5 g
    • Dietary Fiber: 0 g
    • Sugars: 2 g
    • Protein: 22 g
  • Simple Salad (per serving):
    • Calories: 150 kcal
    • Total Fat: 12 g
    • Saturated Fat: 3 g
    • Cholesterol: 15 mg
    • Sodium: 300 mg
    • Total Carbohydrates: 5 g
    • Dietary Fiber: 1 g
    • Sugars: 3 g
    • Protein: 4 g

Conclusion

These Stuffed Meatballs with Cheese paired with a Simple Salad make for an incredibly delicious and easy dinner option. With minimal prep and cook time, you’ll have a flavorful meal on the table in no time. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a casual dinner, this meal is sure to be a hit. Enjoy the rich, savory meatballs with the fresh, tangy salad for a perfect balance of flavors!