Sizzling Hearty Smoked Stuffed Meatballs Recipe for Dinner Joy

Tender ground beef mingles with smoky spices in these irresistible stuffed meatballs that promise pure comfort.

Crafted with care, each bite delivers a burst of rich, savory flavors waiting to be savored.

Herbs and cheese nestle deep within the meat, creating unexpected pockets of deliciousness.

The smoking technique infuses these meatballs with an incredible depth that sets them apart from ordinary recipes.

Carefully selected ingredients blend seamlessly to produce a mouthwatering meal that speaks directly to your hunger.

Bold and satisfying, these meatballs transform an everyday dinner into a memorable culinary experience.

Grab a plate and let these smoky, stuffed gems become your new favorite dinner sensation.

Ingredients That Power Up Smoked Stuffed Meatballs

• Ground Beef, Ground Pork: Rich, flavorful foundation bringing robust meaty essence with balanced fat content.
• Breadcrumbs: Binding agent ensuring tender texture and preventing dense, heavy meatballs.
• Eggs: Crucial structural component helping ingredients adhere smoothly.

• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, nutty dimension adding depth and complex savory undertones.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Tangy liquid delivering umami punch and subtle fermented complexity.
• Garlic: Aromatic powerhouse introducing bold, zesty undertones.
• Italian Seasoning: Herbaceous blend creating authentic Mediterranean character.
• Onion Powder: Concentrated sweetness providing nuanced background notes.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasoning agents balancing and elevating overall taste profile.

• Cheese Cube: Creamy center creating delightful molten surprise when melted, transforming ordinary meatballs into extraordinary experience.

• Select ground meats with 20-25% fat content for juiciest results.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for maximum flavor intensity.
• Choose high-moisture cheese cubes like mozzarella for best melting performance.

Tools to Smoke Meatballs with Cheese and Flavor Inside

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining meat and seasonings smoothly.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Precise ingredient portioning for perfect flavor balance.
• Wire rack or smoker grates: Allows even smoke circulation and prevents sticking.
• Meat thermometer: Crucial for checking internal temperature of meatballs.
• Brush or basting tool: Helps apply optional glaze evenly during final smoking stage.
• Sharp knife: Useful for cutting cheese cubes and chopping optional parsley garnish.
• Smoker: Primary cooking equipment for infusing rich, smoky flavor into meatballs.

How to Cook Smoked Stuffed Meatballs to Melty Perfection

• Fire Up the Smoker

Crank your smoker to a cozy 250F, getting ready for some seriously delicious meat magic.

• Create the Meat Mix

Dive into a bowl and blend ground beef, pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, eggs, garlic, Worcestershire, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and onion powder. Mix gently – don’t beat up your meat!

• Craft Cheesy Surprises

Scoop out meat mixture and flatten it. Nestle a cheese cube right in the center, then lovingly wrap the meat around it, rolling into perfect little spheres. Keep going until you’ve used all the mix.

• Smoke to Perfection

Place these flavor bombs directly on smoker grates. Let them hang out and absorb that smoky goodness for 1½ to 2 hours, until they hit a safe 160F internal temperature.

• Optional Flavor Boost

In the final 15 minutes, brush on some BBQ sauce or marinara for an extra flavor punch.

• Serve and Enjoy

Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve with sauce on the side. Watch everyone’s eyes light up with the first bite!

Flavor Ideas to Change Up Smoked Stuffed Meatballs

• Handle the meat mixture gently to keep meatballs tender and prevent them from becoming tough. Mix ingredients just until combined, avoiding overmixing which can make them dense and chewy.
• Choose low-moisture cheeses like mozzarella or provolone that won't leak out during smoking. Freeze cheese cubes briefly before stuffing to help them maintain shape inside meatballs.
• Swap traditional breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour, crushed pork rinds, or gluten-free breadcrumbs to make the recipe celiac-friendly without compromising texture.
• Prepare and shape meatballs up to 24 hours in advance, storing them covered in the refrigerator. This allows flavors to meld and makes day-of cooking faster and easier.
• Replace breadcrumbs with grated Parmesan cheese or finely chopped pork rinds to reduce carbohydrate content, perfect for keto and low-carb diet followers.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 4

Serving Smoked Stuffed Meatballs with Sauce or Sides

• Meatball Marinara Magic: Serve these stuffed meatballs over a bed of al dente spaghetti with a generous ladle of warm marinara sauce, creating a classic Italian-inspired dinner that feels like a warm hug.
• Appetizer Party Platter: Arrange the smoked meatballs on a rustic wooden board with toothpicks, surrounded by marinara dipping sauce, fresh herb sprigs, and crusty garlic bread for an irresistible party spread.
• Hearty Sandwich Sensation: Slice the meatballs in half and nestle them into a toasted hoagie roll with melted provolone, extra marinara, and a sprinkle of fresh basil for a mouthwatering lunch option.
• Cozy Comfort Bowl: Create a comforting one-bowl meal by mixing the meatballs with creamy polenta or cheesy risotto, topped with extra smoked cheese and chopped parsley for a rich, satisfying dinner.

Storing Smoked Stuffed Meatballs for Game Day Leftovers

• Place cooled meatballs in airtight containers, separating layers with parchment paper. Refrigerate for up to 4 days, keeping flavors locked in and texture perfect.
• Prepare extra meatballs and freeze individually on a baking sheet before transferring to freezer bags. These delicious bites stay fresh for 3 months, ready for quick meals.
• Warm refrigerated meatballs in a 350F oven for 10-15 minutes, covered with foil to retain moisture. Splash a little marinara sauce to revive their juicy texture and prevent drying.
• Divide meatball mixture into meal-sized portions before cooking. Pack 4-5 meatballs per container for easy grab-and-go lunches or dinner prep, streamlining your weekly meal strategy.

Hearty Smoked Stuffed Meatballs Recipe

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4.9 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Succulent Smoked Stuffed Meatballs deliver a flavor explosion that’ll make dinner guests swoon with delight. Juicy meat pockets packed with melted cheese create an irresistible experience that brings comfort and excitement to your plate.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 ½ lbs (680 g) ground beef (80/20)
• ½ lb (227 g) ground pork
• 12–16 small cubes of mozzarella or cheddar cheese
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp black pepper
• Barbecue sauce or marinara sauce (optional for basting or serving)
• Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Thoroughly blend ground beef, pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, eggs, garlic, Worcestershire, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and onion powder in a large mixing bowl, ensuring ingredients are just combined without overmixing.
2. Cheese Stuffing: Gently scoop meat mixture, flatten slightly, and insert cheese cube in the center. Carefully wrap meat around cheese, forming uniform spherical meatballs, maintaining consistent size and shape.
3. Smoking Process: Position meatballs on smoker grates preheated to 250F, allowing even heat distribution and smoke penetration. Cook for approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, monitoring internal temperature until reaching 160F.
4. Flavor Enhancement: During final 15 minutes of smoking, optionally brush meatballs with BBQ sauce or marinara to create a glossy, caramelized exterior that intensifies overall taste profile.
5. Presentation: Remove meatballs from smoker, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve immediately. Accompany with additional sauce for dipping or serve atop pasta for a complete culinary experience.

Notes

• Avoid overworking the meat mixture to keep meatballs tender and prevent tough, dense texture.
• Ensure cheese cube is fully sealed inside meat to prevent leaking during smoking process.
• Use meat thermometer to confirm internal temperature reaches exactly 160F for safe, perfectly cooked meatballs.
• Apply glaze during final 15 minutes of smoking to maximize caramelization without burning sauce.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Smoking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg