BBQ Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (205°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment.
2. In a large bowl, mix the ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until fully combined.
3. Take a small portion of the meat mixture, flatten it in your hand, place a cheese cube in the center, and wrap the meat tightly around it.
4. Roll into firm meatballs and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until browned and cooked through.
6. Meanwhile, warm the BBQ sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce in a saucepan until glossy and slightly thickened.
7. Toss the hot meatballs in the BBQ glaze until fully coated.
8. Serve warm with extra sauce on the side.

Variations

• Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
• Add finely minced jalapeño to the meat mixture for a spicy kick.
• Try pepper jack or smoked gouda inside the meatballs for unique flavor.
• Brush meatballs with glaze before baking for an extra sticky finish.

Tips

• Freeze cheese cubes for 10 minutes before stuffing to prevent leaking during baking.
• Avoid overmixing the meat to keep the meatballs tender.
• Use a cookie scoop for evenly sized meatballs that cook uniformly.
• Keep the glaze warm on the stovetop for easy tossing and serving.