Next, I place the meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet—this helps with clean-up later. Once all my meatballs are rolled and ready, I pop them in the oven for about 20-25 minutes until they are browned on the outside and cooked through. While they’re baking, my kitchen fills with the mouth-watering aroma of beef and herbs. I can hardly wait!
After they come out of the oven, I typically let them rest for a few minutes. That way, the cheese has a moment to settle and stay ooey-gooey when I serve them. If I’m serving these with pasta, I warm up some marinara sauce in a pot on the stove. Then, I gently place the cheese-stuffed meatballs in the sauce, letting them soak up all that delicious flavor for a few minutes before serving.
The best part is finally tasting the fruits of my labor. I grab a fork, twirl some pasta, and add a meatball on top. There’s nothing quite like cutting into a meatball and having that warm, melty cheese ooze out. It’s pure bliss!
Pro Tips for Best Results
When I first started making these meatballs, I experimented with different cheeses. I found that using fresh mozzarella gives the best melting quality. If you’re after that gooey effect, definitely go with the fresh stuff!
I also discovered that mixing the meatball ingredients too much can make them dense, so I try to be gentle when combining everything. A light touch goes a long way here! Occasionally, I like to add a splash of Worcestershire sauce for an extra depth of flavor—don’t be shy to get creative!
Lastly, I’ve learned to keep an eye on cooking times. Ovens can vary, so I recommend checking the meatballs a few minutes early to ensure they’re perfectly done. You don’t want to overcook them and dry them out!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One mistake I made early on was not sealing the cheese properly inside the meatball. I ended up with cheese that leaked out onto the baking sheet, which was a bit of a mess. Now, I make sure to encase the cheese completely and roll them tightly to avoid any leaks. (See the next page below to continue…)