Description
These Queso Stuffed Meatballs are a delightful appetizer, featuring a juicy meatball with a hidden core of melted cheese. They are perfect for parties and gatherings, offering a burst of flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/4 cup grated onion
- 1/4 cup finely chopped bell pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
- 4 ounces cheddar cheese, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil, for frying
- For the Queso Sauce:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon chopped jalapeño (optional)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, beaten egg, grated onion, chopped bell pepper, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, cumin, and chili powder. Mix gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Take about 2 tablespoons of the meat mixture and flatten it in your palm. Place one cube of cheddar cheese in the center.
- Carefully enclose the cheese with the meat mixture, forming a ball. Ensure the cheese is completely sealed inside. Repeat with the remaining meat mixture and cheese cubes.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Carefully place the meatballs in the hot oil, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the skillet.
- Fry the meatballs for about 8-10 minutes, turning them occasionally, until they are browned on all sides and cooked through.
- While the meatballs are frying, prepare the queso sauce. In a small saucepan, melt the shredded cheddar cheese with milk over low heat, stirring constantly until smooth. Stir in chopped jalapeño if desired.
- Remove the cooked meatballs from the skillet and drain them on paper towels.
- Serve the queso stuffed meatballs warm, drizzled with the queso sauce.
Notes
- For a spicier meatball, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the meat mixture.
- You can bake these meatballs instead of frying them. Place them on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
- Experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for the filling.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Pan-fried and Sauced
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3-4 meatballs
- Calories: Approx. 300-350 kcal
- Sugar: Approx. 2g
- Sodium: Approx. 500mg
- Fat: Approx. 20-25g
- Saturated Fat: Approx. 8-10g
- Unsaturated Fat: Approx. 12-15g
- Trans Fat: Approx. 1g
- Carbohydrates: Approx. 10-15g
- Fiber: Approx. 1g
- Protein: Approx. 20-25g
- Cholesterol: Approx. 80mg