Smoky Infused Flavor Bombs: Stuffed Meatballs Recipe

Crafting the perfect smoked stuffed meatballs recipe demands skill and passion for bold flavors.

These succulent spheres pack an explosion of smoky goodness that’ll make taste buds dance with delight.

Every bite reveals a carefully hidden treasure of melted cheese nestled within seasoned ground meat.

Smoke infuses each meatball with rich, complex undertones that elevate the entire dish.

The blend of spices and premium ingredients creates a mouthwatering experience that transforms an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

Tender and juicy, these meatballs promise to be the star of any dinner table.

You’ll want to savor every single morsel of this incredible culinary creation.

Serving Suggestions For Smoked Stuffed Meatballs

• Wine and Cheese Pairing: Elevate your meatball experience with a robust red wine like Chianti or Zinfandel. The bold flavors complement the smoky, cheesy meatballs perfectly, creating a restaurant-worthy dining moment.
• Pasta Party: Serve these stuffed meatballs over creamy fettuccine or al dente spaghetti. The melted cheese inside will create a luxurious sauce that coats each pasta strand, making every bite irresistible.
• Game Day Appetizer: Transform these meatballs into a crowd-pleasing finger food. Slice them in half, secure with toothpicks, and place on a rustic wooden board. Guests can easily grab and enjoy these protein-packed bites during sports events or movie nights.
• Family-Style Platter: Arrange the smoked meatballs on a large platter with fresh herbs scattered around. Add some crusty garlic bread on the side for dipping into the savory sauce, creating a communal and inviting dining experience that brings everyone together.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes

Calories: 300 kcal

Servings: 13

Stuffed Meatballs Ingredients

• Ground Beef: Rich, robust protein that forms the hearty foundation with deep, savory flavor profile.
• Ground Pork: Adds tender texture and extra juiciness to enhance meatball consistency.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Magical umami booster that deepens meaty complexity and adds tangy undertone.

• Breadcrumbs: Creates light, airy structure and helps hold meatballs together seamlessly.
• Eggs: Natural binding agent that ensures perfect meatball cohesiveness.
• Parmesan Cheese: Introduces sharp, salty notes and helps maintain moisture.
• Garlic: Aromatic powerhouse that infuses bold, zesty character.
• Italian Seasoning: Herbaceous blend delivering authentic Mediterranean essence.
• Onion Powder: Subtle sweetness with concentrated onion intensity.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasoning duo balancing and elevating overall taste profile.

• Mozzarella Cheese: Creamy, melty center creating delightful molten surprise.
• BBQ Sauce or Marinara: Optional glaze offering tangy, rich complementary coating.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright, fresh garnish adding vibrant color and herbal freshness.

Tools To Make Smoked Stuffed Meatballs

• Smoker: Essential for cooking meatballs with smoky flavor, set to 250F.
• Large mixing bowl: For combining ground meats and ingredients.
• Meat thermometer: Crucial for checking internal temperature of 160F.
• Wire rack or smoker grates: Used for smoking meatballs evenly.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate ingredient portioning.
• Cheese knife or small sharp knife: For cutting cheese cubes.
• Basting brush: Optional for adding glaze in final cooking stage.

How To Cook Smoked Stuffed Meatballs

• Fire Up the Smoker

Get your smoker humming at a steady 250F, creating the perfect warm environment for these flavor-packed meatballs.

• Create Meaty Magic

Gently blend ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, eggs, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, seasonings in a bowl. Mix with a light touch – no muscling the mixture.

• Craft Cheesy Treasures

Scoop out portions of meat mixture, flatten slightly, then nestle a surprise cheese cube in the center. Lovingly wrap meat around the cheese, rolling into perfect spheres.

• Smoke to Perfection

Place these delectable orbs directly on smoker grates. Let them bathe in smoky goodness for 1.5 to 2 hours until they reach a safe 160F internal temperature.

• Add Final Flavor Punch

During the last quarter-hour, brush meatballs with tangy BBQ sauce or rich marinara for an extra flavor explosion.

• Serve with Flair

Sprinkle fresh parsley on top and serve alongside extra sauce. Watch guests dive into these irresistible smoky, cheesy meatballs.

Tips To Perfect Smoked Stuffed Meatballs

• Pro Smoke-Infusion Technique: Let meatballs sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before smoking to ensure even cooking and deeper smoky flavor penetration.
• Cheese Stuffing Hack: Use cold, firm cheese cubes to prevent melting during initial smoking stages and maintain a perfect molten center.
• Meat Mixture Magic: Avoid overmixing ground meat to keep meatballs tender; gently combine ingredients with light hand movements to prevent tough texture.
• Diet-Friendly Swaps: Replace ground beef and pork with ground turkey or chicken for leaner protein option; use gluten-free breadcrumbs for celiac-friendly version; substitute dairy cheese with plant-based alternatives for vegan adaptation.
• Flavor Boost Options: Experiment with different cheese types like smoked gouda or blue cheese for unique taste profiles; try adding chopped jalapeños or sundried tomatoes inside meatballs for extra complexity; explore alternative seasoning blends like Mediterranean or Cajun spice mixes to transform classic recipe.

Planning And Storing Smoked Stuffed Meatballs

• Refrigeration Rescue: Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Wrap cooled meatballs individually in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. They'll stay delicious for up to 3 months when frozen properly.
• Reheating Magic: Warm refrigerated meatballs in a 350F oven for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out. Add a splash of marinara sauce for extra moisture.
• Meal Prep Champions: Prepare meatballs in advance and refrigerate uncooked for up to 24 hours. This allows flavors to meld and saves time during busy weeknight dinners.

Hearty Smoked Stuffed Meatballs Recipe

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4.7 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Hearty Smoked Stuffed Meatballs showcase Italian culinary traditions with a smoky twist. Cheese-filled spheres of ground beef deliver rich, savory flavors that will make any gathering memorable.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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

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Instructions

1. Smoker Preparation: Calibrate the smoker to a steady 250°F, creating an ideal low-heat environment for even cooking and optimal smoke infusion.
2. Meat Mixture: Tenderly blend ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, eggs, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and onion powder in a large bowl. Mix with a gentle hand to preserve the meat’s delicate texture.
3. Meatball Crafting: Divide the mixture into uniform portions, each approximately two tablespoons. Embed a cheese cube at the center of each portion, carefully encasing it with meat to form seamless, perfectly rounded spheres.
4. Smoking Process: Position the meatballs on smoker grates, ensuring adequate spacing for smoke circulation. Slow-cook until the internal temperature reaches 160°F, typically requiring 1.5 to 2 hours of patient smoking.
5. Flavor Finishing: During the final cooking stage, brush the meatballs with barbecue sauce or marinara, creating a glossy, caramelized exterior that intensifies the overall flavor profile.
6. Serving Presentation: Remove the meatballs from the smoker and transfer to a serving platter. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve alongside additional sauce or atop pasta for a complete culinary experience.

Notes

• Gentle Mixing Technique: Lightly blend meat mixture to prevent tough, dense meatballs. Overmixing can break down proteins, resulting in a dense, rubbery texture.
• Cheese Placement Strategy: Center cheese cube precisely in meat mixture, ensuring complete coverage to prevent melting and leaking during smoking.
• Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to accurately monitor internal temperature. Reaching 160°F guarantees food safety while maintaining juicy, tender meatballs.
• Smoke Circulation Hack: Leave adequate space between meatballs on smoker grates for even smoke penetration and consistent cooking throughout the entire batch.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg