Caramelized Onion & Blue Cheese Stuffed Meatballs
Caramelized Onion & Blue Cheese Stuffed Meatballs are the epitome of comfort food. Imagine savory meatballs filled with pockets of creamy blue cheese and topped with sweet, buttery caramelized onions. This recipe is not only satisfying in taste but also visually appealing, making it the perfect dish for gatherings or a cozy family dinner. The combination of seasoned ground beef with the richness of blue cheese melds together beautifully, creating an unforgettable meal. In this step-by-step guide, you will discover how to create these delectable meatballs that are sure to impress!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Caramelized Onion & Blue Cheese Stuffed Meatballs recipe is a game-changer. It combines easy prep with great flavor, making it a family-friendly option that pleases both adults and kids alike. You’ll enjoy the minimal ingredients and straightforward instructions, whether you’re a novice cook or an experienced chef. Not only are these meatballs simple to prepare, but they can also be made in advance, allowing you to spend more time enjoying your meal and less time in the kitchen.
Ingredients for Caramelized Onion & Blue Cheese Stuffed Meatballs
1 lb (450 g) ground beef – Choose high-quality beef for the best flavor.
1 small onion, finely grated – Adds moisture and sweetness to the meat mixture.
2 cloves garlic, minced – Robust flavor that complements the dish perfectly.
1/4 cup (25 g) breadcrumbs – Helps bind the meat mixture together.
1 large egg – Acts as a binding agent.
1 tsp salt – Enhances all the flavors.
1/2 tsp black pepper – Adds a touch of heat.
1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional) – Introduces a smoky depth to the meatballs.
3 oz (85 g) blue cheese, cut into small chunks – The star of the dish, melting beautifully inside the meatballs.
1 large onion, thinly sliced – For the caramelized topping.
1 tbsp olive oil – For cooking the onions.
1 tsp butter – Adds richness for caramelization.
Pinch of salt – To enhance the flavor of the onions.
1/2 tsp sugar (optional, for extra sweetness) – Balances the flavors of the onions.
Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish – A pop of color and freshness.
Step-by-Step Directions for Caramelized Onion & Blue Cheese Stuffed Meatballs
Caramelize the onions: In a skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-low heat. Add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook slowly, stirring often, for about 20-25 minutes until the onions are golden brown and soft. If desired, add sugar for extra sweetness. Once done, remove from heat and set aside.
Make the meatball mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, grated onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Mix until just combined, ensuring not to overmix.
Form the meatballs: Take a small portion of the meat mixture (about the size of a golf ball), flatten it in your hand, place a piece of blue cheese in the center, and wrap the meat around to seal the cheese inside. Repeat with the remaining mixture.
Cook the meatballs: In a skillet over medium heat, add a drizzle of oil. Cook the meatballs for 3-4 minutes on each side, turning them to brown all over. Once browned, cover the skillet and cook for another 5 minutes until fully cooked through.
Assemble and serve: Plate the meatballs and spoon the caramelized onions on top. Sprinkle with fresh parsley for a beautiful presentation. Serve warm and enjoy!
Tips & Tricks for Caramelized Onion & Blue Cheese Stuffed Meatballs
For deeper caramelization, be patient! Cooking the onions on low heat allows the sugars to develop fully.
If you want a stronger flavor, use a sharper blue cheese or even a combination of cheeses.
To save time, you can prepare the caramelized onions in advance and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use them.
Make your meatballs uniformly sized for even cooking.
Adding a dash of Worcestershire sauce to the meatball mixture can elevate the umami flavors even more.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
These meatballs can be served in various ways, making them incredibly versatile. Here are a few creative presentation ideas:
Over Pasta: Serve the meatballs over fettuccine with a light cream sauce for a rich meal.
In Subs: Stuff them into a crusty sub roll and top with marinara and melted cheese for a delicious meatball sandwich.
With a Salad: Pair with a simple arugula salad tossed in olive oil and balsamic vinegar for a healthy spin.
As Appetizers: Serve in small portions with toothpicks and a side of marinara for dipping at your next gathering.
Nutritional Information for Caramelized Onion & Blue Cheese Stuffed Meatballs
For those who are mindful of their dietary choices, here is a basic nutritional breakdown:
Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories, depending on portion size and additional ingredients.
Protein: Rich in protein due to ground beef and cheese.
Fats: Contains healthy fats from olive oil and blue cheese.
Carbohydrates: Moderate carbs from breadcrumbs and onions.
Enjoying these meatballs can be part of a balanced diet, especially when paired with fresh vegetables.
Storing Tips & Variations for Caramelized Onion & Blue Cheese Stuffed Meatballs
You might want to make these meatballs in a larger batch. Here’s how to store and modify them:
Freezing: Allow meatballs to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. They can last up to three months frozen.
Reheating: Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat in the oven or skillet until warmed through.
Healthier Swaps: Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Whole wheat breadcrumbs can also be a healthier alternative.
Creative Variations: Consider adding chopped herbs, such as thyme or basil, for an aromatic touch or swapping blue cheese for feta or goat cheese for different flavors.
Conclusion for Caramelized Onion & Blue Cheese Stuffed Meatballs
Caramelized Onion & Blue Cheese Stuffed Meatballs are an irresistible dish that combines rich flavors and comforting textures. Whether enjoyed as a main course or an appetizer, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Don’t wait any longer—gather your ingredients and give this delicious recipe a try today!
FAQs
1. Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the meatballs and refrigerate them for up to a day before cooking. Just be sure to store them in an airtight container.
2. What can I substitute for blue cheese?
You can use feta cheese, goat cheese, or even mozzarella for a milder flavor.
3. How do I know when the meatballs are cooked through?
The internal temperature should reach 160°F (70°C). You can also cut one open to check for doneness.
4. Can I bake these meatballs instead of frying them?
Absolutely! Place the meatballs on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes until cooked through.
5. What should I serve with the meatballs?
These meatballs pair beautifully with pasta, in a sub sandwich, or over a bed of greens for a lighter option.
Caramelized Onion & Blue Cheese Stuffed Meatballs
Ingredients
For the meatballs
- 1 lb ground beef Choose high-quality beef for the best flavor.
- 1 small onion, finely grated Adds moisture and sweetness to the meat mixture.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced Robust flavor that complements the dish perfectly.
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs Helps bind the meat mixture together.
- 1 large egg Acts as a binding agent.
- 1 tsp salt Enhances all the flavors.
- 1/2 tsp black pepper Adds a touch of heat.
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika Optional, introduces a smoky depth to the meatballs.
- 3 oz blue cheese, cut into small chunks The star of the dish, melting beautifully inside the meatballs.
For the caramelized onions
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced For the caramelized topping.
- 1 tbsp olive oil For cooking the onions.
- 1 tsp butter Adds richness for caramelization.
- 1 pinch salt To enhance the flavor of the onions.
- 1/2 tsp sugar Optional, for extra sweetness.
For garnish
- to taste fresh parsley, chopped A pop of color and freshness.
Instructions
Caramelizing Onions
- In a skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-low heat.
- Add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt.
- Cook slowly, stirring often, for about 20-25 minutes until the onions are golden brown and soft.
- If desired, add sugar for extra sweetness. Once done, remove from heat and set aside.
Making the Meatball Mixture
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, grated onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Mix until just combined, ensuring not to overmix.
Forming the Meatballs
- Take a small portion of the meat mixture (about the size of a golf ball), flatten it in your hand, place a piece of blue cheese in the center, and wrap the meat around to seal the cheese inside.
- Repeat with the remaining mixture.
Cooking the Meatballs
- In a skillet over medium heat, add a drizzle of oil.
- Cook the meatballs for 3-4 minutes on each side, turning them to brown all over.
- Once browned, cover the skillet and cook for another 5 minutes until fully cooked through.
Serving
- Plate the meatballs and spoon the caramelized onions on top.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley for a beautiful presentation.
- Serve warm and enjoy!