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Smoked Stuffed Meatballs Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 64 reviews

Smoked Stuffed Meatballs are a flavorful twist on a classic favorite, featuring juicy ground meat balls filled with gooey cheese cubes and infused with delicious smoky flavors. Perfect as an appetizer or main dish, these meatballs combine the richness of melted cheese with the deep aroma of smoked meat for an irresistible bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatball Mixture

  • 1 lb ground meat (beef, pork, or a blend)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/4 cup bread crumbs
  • 1 large egg

Filling

  • 1 cup cheese cubes (mozzarella or cheddar works well)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the meatball mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes if using, bread crumbs, and egg. Mix gently until all ingredients are well incorporated but avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.
  2. Shape and stuff the meatballs: Take about 2 tablespoons of the meat mixture and flatten it slightly in your palm. Place one cheese cube in the center and fold the meat around it, rolling gently to form a smooth ball, completely enclosing the cheese inside. Repeat with the remaining meat and cheese cubes.
  3. Preheat and prepare the smoker: Preheat your smoker to 225°F (107°C). Use wood chips such as hickory or applewood to add a mild smoky flavor that complements the meat and cheese perfectly.
  4. Smoke the meatballs: Place the stuffed meatballs on the smoker rack, ensuring they do not touch each other. Smoke for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) and are cooked through. The cheese inside will be melted and gooey.
  5. Rest and serve: Remove the meatballs from the smoker and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving. This will help the juices to redistribute and prevent the cheese from spilling out immediately when bitten into.

Notes

  • Choose cheese that melts well, such as mozzarella or cheddar, for the best filling texture.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure meatballs are fully cooked for safety.
  • You may substitute the smoker with an oven set to low temperature with wood chips for a similar smoked effect if a smoker is unavailable.
  • Serve with your favorite dipping sauce like marinara or a spicy aioli for extra flavor.

Keywords: smoked meatballs, stuffed meatballs, cheese stuffed meatballs, smoky appetizer, ground meat recipe

Find it online: https://cookwithyana.com/smoked-stuffed-meatballs-recipe/