Caramelized Onion & Blue Cheese Stuffed Meatballs
These stuffed meatballs combine savory ground beef with creamy blue cheese and sweet caramelized onions, creating a delightful dish perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 475kcal
Ingredients
Meatball Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef Choose higher fat content for juiciness.
- 1 small onion, finely grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg Binding ingredient.
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional) For added flavor.
- 3 oz blue cheese, cut into small chunks
Caramelized Onion Ingredients
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp butter
- Pinch salt
- 1/2 tsp sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish Optional for serving.
Instructions
Caramelizing the Onions
- Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-low heat.
- Add thinly sliced onions and a pinch of salt.
- Cook slowly, stirring often, for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- For added sweetness, sprinkle in sugar if desired.
- Remove from heat and set aside once caramelized.
Making the Meatball Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, grated onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, and egg.
- Season with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
Forming the Meatballs
- Take a tablespoon-sized portion of the meat mixture, flatten it, and place a piece of blue cheese in the center.
- Wrap the meat around the cheese to seal it and form a smooth ball.
- Repeat until all mixture is used.
Cooking the Meatballs
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add stuffed meatballs and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until browned.
- Cover the skillet and let cook for an additional 5 minutes to ensure they are fully cooked.
Assembly and Serving
- Plate the cooked meatballs and spoon caramelized onions generously on top.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
Cook onions low and slow for perfect caramelization. Consider adding crushed red pepper flakes for a kick, or herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra flavor. Handle the meat mixture gently to avoid tough meatballs.