Caramelized Onion & Blue Cheese Stuffed Meatballs
Savory meatballs filled with creamy blue cheese and topped with sweet caramelized onions, perfect for gatherings or family dinners.
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 375kcal
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!
Notes
For deeper caramelization, be patient! Cooking the onions on low heat allows the sugars to develop fully. You can prepare caramelized onions in advance and store them in the refrigerator. For a healthier option, consider ground turkey or chicken.