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Golden broiled cheesy glazed meatballs topped with melted mozzarella and fresh parsley on a white platter.

Cheesy Glazed Meatballs

Tender beef meatballs stuffed with a molten mozzarella center, baked to perfection, and coated in a glossy honey-balsamic glaze topped with melted cheese.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 380

Ingredients
  

Meatballs:
  • 2 lbs lean ground beef 85/15 ratio
  • 1 cup whole wheat panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves finely minced
  • 1 tbsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
Core & Topping:
  • 8 oz low-moisture mozzarella cheese cut into 20-24 cubes
  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese for topping
  • 2 tbsp fresh flat-leaf parsley finely chopped
Honey-Balsamic Glaze:
  • ¾ cup aged balsamic vinegar
  • ½ cup tomato paste
  • 3 tbsp raw honey
  • 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tsp garlic powder

Method
 

Make Panade & Mix:
  1. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, 2 tbsp olive oil, panko breadcrumbs, minced garlic, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Let rest for 2 minutes to soften breadcrumbs. Fold in lean ground beef gently using your hands until combined. Do not overmix.
Stuff & Seal:
  1. Scoop 2 tablespoons of beef mixture and flatten into a disk in your palm. Place a chilled mozzarella cube in the center. Fold meat over cheese, pinch all seams firmly, and roll smoothly between palms. Repeat for remaining meat.
Bake or Smoke:
  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 18 minutes (or smoke at 250°F for 1.5 hours until internal temperature reaches 155°F).
Glaze & Broil:
  1. In a small saucepan, whisk balsamic vinegar, tomato paste, raw honey, 1 tbsp olive oil, and garlic powder. Simmer over medium heat for 3 minutes until smooth and thick.
Melt & Serve:
  1. Brush glaze generously over baked meatballs. Top each with a pinch of shredded mozzarella. Broil for 3–5 minutes until the glaze is glossy and top cheese is melted and golden. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Notes

Pro Tip: Freeze mozzarella cubes for 15 minutes prior to stuffing to guarantee zero cheese leakages during baking.