Caramelized Onion & Blue Cheese Stuffed Meatballs
Deliciously rich meatballs filled with sweet caramelized onions and creamy blue cheese, perfect for family dinners and gatherings.
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 350kcal
Ingredients
For the meatballs
- 1 lb ground beef The foundation of the meatballs, providing rich, juicy flavor.
- 1 small onion, finely grated Adds moisture and sweetness to the mixture.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced A must-have for a savory punch.
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs Helps bind the meatballs without making them dry.
- 1 large egg Acts as a binder and adds richness.
- 1 tsp salt Enhances the overall flavor profile.
- 1/2 tsp black pepper Offers a gentle kick.
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional) Introduces an enticing smokiness.
- 3 oz blue cheese, cut into small chunks Adds a creamy, tangy surprise.
For caramelized onions
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced For caramelization that complements the meatballs.
- 1 tbsp olive oil Essential for sautéing.
- 1 tsp butter Adds depth and richness to the caramelized onions.
- pinch salt A little lift to the onions while cooking.
- 1/2 tsp sugar (optional) Enhances sweetness in your caramelized onions.
For garnish
- to taste Fresh parsley, chopped A pop of color to brighten your presentation.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil combined with 1 teaspoon of butter over medium-low heat.
- Add sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook slowly for about 20-25 minutes until golden.
- Add sugar if desired for sweetness, remove from heat, and set aside.
Making the Meatball Mixture
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, finely grated onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Mix gently until combined.
Forming the Meatballs
- Take a small handful of the mixture, about the size of a golf ball, and flatten it in your palm. Place a chunk of blue cheese in the center and fold the meat around the cheese to seal it.
- Repeat until all meatballs are formed.
Cooking the Meatballs
- In the same skillet, drizzle some olive oil and heat over medium. Cook meatballs for 3-4 minutes on each side until browned.
- Cover and cook for an additional 5 minutes until fully cooked through.
Serving
- Plate the meatballs and spoon the caramelized onions over the top. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve warm.
Notes
For perfectly caramelized onions, cook slowly and keep the heat low. Consider adding herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra flavor. For additional spice, crushed red pepper flakes can be added to the mixture.