Cheesy Glazed Meatballs

These Cheesy Glazed Meatballs are tender, juicy, and packed with cheesy goodness, then coated in a glossy sweet-and-savory glaze. They’re perfect for a cozy family dinner, party appetizer, game-day snack, or an easy meal served over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta.

🛒 Ingredients

For the meatballs:

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
• ½ lb (225 g) ground pork
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup finely diced onion
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

For the glaze:

• ½ cup BBQ sauce
• ¼ cup ketchup
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• ½ tsp garlic powder

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Prepare the meat mixture: Add ground beef, ground pork, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic, onion, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and parsley to a large bowl. Mix gently until just combined.
2. Add the cheese: Take a small portion of meat mixture and flatten it in your palm. Place about 1 teaspoon of mozzarella in the center, then carefully fold the meat around it and roll into a ball. Repeat with the remaining mixture.
3. Bake: Place the meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 18–22 minutes, or until cooked through.
4. Make the glaze: While the meatballs cook, whisk together BBQ sauce, ketchup, honey, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and garlic powder in a small saucepan. Simmer for 3–4 minutes.
5. Glaze: Transfer the cooked meatballs to a skillet or baking dish and pour the warm glaze over them. Toss gently until completely coated.
6. Add extra cheese: Sprinkle a little additional mozzarella or cheddar over the top. Broil for 1–2 minutes, just until the cheese melts and becomes lightly golden.
7. Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

⭐ Pro Tips

• Don’t overmix the meat or the meatballs can become tough.
• Use low-moisture mozzarella for a gooey center without excessive liquid.
• Wet your hands slightly when shaping the meatballs to prevent sticking.
• For an extra-sticky finish, brush on another layer of glaze just before serving.
• Always check that the meatballs reach a safe internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for ground beef/pork.

🍽️ What to Serve With Them

Serve these cheesy meatballs with creamy mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, steamed broccoli, roasted vegetables, rice, or crusty garlic bread. They’re also fantastic as an appetizer with toothpicks.

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Every bite gives you juicy seasoned meat, a gooey cheese center, and a sticky caramelized glaze. It’s the kind of comforting recipe that disappears quickly from the dinner table!