Cheesy Taco Meatballs Recipe

If you’re looking for a hearty, flavorful dish that’s both comforting and crowd-pleasing, Cheesy Taco Meatballs are the perfect solution. These meatballs combine the best elements of a taco and a meatball into one irresistible bite. Packed with ground beef, taco seasoning, and gooey melted cheese, these meatballs are bursting with flavor. Whether you’re serving them as a snack, adding them to pasta, or using them in a taco salad, this recipe is guaranteed to become a new favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Taco-Inspired Flavor: The bold flavors of taco seasoning bring a Mexican twist to the classic meatball.
2. Cheese Lover’s Dream: A gooey, cheesy center makes every bite irresistible.
3. Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a batch ahead of time and enjoy for lunch, dinner, or snacks throughout the week.
4. Versatile: Serve these meatballs on their own, in tacos, over rice, or even with pasta.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with non-stick spray.
2. Mix the Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, taco seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, egg, and chopped cilantro.
3. Season: Add salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything together until evenly combined. Be careful not to overwork the meat mixture to ensure tender meatballs.

Step 2: Form the Meatballs

1. Shape the Meatballs: Using your hands, take a small amount of the meat mixture and form it into a ball about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. For even-sized meatballs, you can use a spoon or small ice cream scoop.
2. Add the Cheese: To stuff the meatballs with cheese, flatten a portion of the meat mixture in the palm of your hand, add a small spoonful of the cheese filling, and then wrap the meat around the cheese, sealing it inside. Form the ball again so the cheese is hidden in the center. Repeat for the rest of the mixture.

Step 3: Cook the Meatballs

1. Bake in the Oven: Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, spaced evenly apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
   • Alternatively, you can cook the meatballs on the stovetop by heating a little oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the meatballs in batches, turning to brown all sides. This method will give you a crispy outer layer.
2. Check for Doneness: Ensure the meatballs are cooked through and the cheese inside is melted. If using a thermometer, the meatballs should be 165°F (74°C) internally.

Step 4: Prepare the Sauce (Optional)

1. Combine Ingredients: In a small saucepan, combine the salsa, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
2. Simmer: Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is warmed through. Adjust seasoning as needed.
3. Coat the Meatballs: If desired, serve the meatballs with the sauce on top, or spoon a little over each meatball before serving.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

1. Serve the Meatballs: Arrange the cooked meatballs on a plate or platter, and drizzle with the optional sauce.
2. Garnish: Top with freshly chopped cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, sliced green onions, and sliced jalapeños for extra flavor. Serve with a side of shredded lettuce, salsa, or guacamole if you like.

Tips for Success

1. Use Quality Meat: The flavor and texture of your meatballs depend on the quality of the meat. Using a mixture with a slightly higher fat content (like 80/20) will help keep the meatballs juicy.
2. Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the meat can lead to dense, tough meatballs. Mix gently until everything is combined.
3. Experiment with Cheese: While cheddar is a classic choice, feel free to use other cheeses like Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or pepper jack for a twist.
4. Make Ahead: You can make these meatballs ahead of time. Form the meatballs, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze them for 30 minutes before transferring them to a freezer bag. When ready to cook, bake them directly from frozen—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Variations and Customizations

Veggie Additions

• Bell Peppers and Corn: Add finely chopped bell peppers and corn kernels to the meatball mixture for extra flavor and texture.
• Jalapeños: Mix diced jalapeños into the meatball mixture for added heat. You can also add a few more to the cheese filling for an extra spicy kick.

Protein Swap

• Ground Turkey: Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version of the meatballs. Make sure to adjust the seasoning to compensate for the milder flavor of turkey.
• Beef and Pork: For a richer flavor, combine ground beef and ground pork. This adds moisture and a bit more flavor to the meatballs.

Vegetarian Version

• Meatless Meatballs: Use plant-based protein (like lentils, chickpeas, or a veggie burger mix) instead of ground beef for a vegetarian or vegan-friendly version. Swap the cheese for vegan cheese to keep it dairy-free.

Serving Suggestions

1. Tacos: Serve the meatballs in soft taco shells, topped with salsa, sour cream, and shredded lettuce.
2. Rice Bowl: Place the meatballs on a bed of cilantro lime rice and drizzle with the taco sauce.
3. Pasta: Toss the meatballs with your favorite pasta and a bit of marinara or taco sauce for a fun fusion dish.
4. Appetizer: Serve the meatballs with toothpicks and a dipping sauce like ranch, salsa, or a spicy aioli for parties or game days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the meatballs in advance, shape them, and freeze them on a baking sheet for 30 minutes before storing them in an airtight container. When you’re ready to cook, bake them directly from frozen, adding extra cooking time.

How can I store leftover meatballs?

Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months.

Can I make these without cheese?

Yes! If you prefer, you can make the meatballs without the cheese filling. The taco seasoning and beef will still provide plenty of flavor.

Conclusion

Cheesy Taco Meatballs are the perfect combination of taco flavor and the comfort of meatballs. Whether you’re looking for a fun dinner idea, a party appetizer, or a new twist on taco night, these meatballs are sure to impress. With a blend of savory taco seasoning, gooey cheese, and a crispy exterior, these meatballs offer something for everyone. Enjoy them in a variety of dishes, or savor them on their own with a creamy dipping sauce. No matter how you serve them, these Cheesy Taco Meatballs will be a hit!

Yield: 4-6

Cheesy Taco Meatballs Recipe

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If you’re looking for a hearty, flavorful dish that’s both comforting and crowd-pleasing, Cheesy Taco Meatballs are the perfect solution. These meatballs combine the best elements of a taco and a meatball into one irresistible bite. Packed with ground beef, taco seasoning, and gooey melted cheese, these meatballs are bursting with flavor. Whether you're serving them as a snack, adding them to pasta, or using them in a taco salad, this recipe is guaranteed to become a new favorite.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing)
• Optional toppings: Sour cream, salsa, chopped cilantro, or sliced jalapeños

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking sheet with olive oil or line it with parchment paper.

2. Prepare Meatball Mixture

1. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, taco seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, and chili powder.
2. Mix everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.

3. Shape the Meatballs

1. Using your hands, shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1–1.5 inches in diameter, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.

4. Add the Cheese

1. Make a small indentation in the center of each meatball and stuff it with about 1 teaspoon of shredded cheddar cheese.
2. Gently press the sides of the meatball around the cheese to seal it in.

5. Bake the Meatballs

1. Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes, or until they are cooked through and browned on the outside. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.

6. Serve

1. Remove the meatballs from the oven and allow them to cool slightly.
2. Serve hot with optional toppings like sour cream, salsa, chopped cilantro, or sliced jalapeños for extra flavor.

Notes

• Taco Seasoning: You can use store-bought taco seasoning or make your own by combining chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano.
• Cheese: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese such as Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a spicier kick.
• Dipping Sauce: These meatballs pair perfectly with salsa, guacamole, or a creamy ranch dressing.