Smoked Stuffed Meatballs – Indulge in the deliciousness of Smoked Stuffed Meatballs. A delectable combination of succulent meat. Creamy cheese and a flavorful BBQ glaze. That steals the spotlight at any meal. This delightful recipe. Combines ground beef, pork, and Italian breadcrumbs. And a surprise filling. Mozzarella sticks. Whether served as an appetizer. Or the main dish. This dish honors the heart of American cookery. Making it an ideal option for assemblages. And memorable festivities. Or cozy family dinners.
The first time I tried making these smoked stuffed meatballs. Was on a chilly evening. When comfort food seemed right. The kitchen was filled with the aromas of barbecue. And melted cheese. Foreshadowing the explosion of flavors to follow. Even my reserved husband. Couldn’t stop praising them. My picky child not only asked for seconds. But thirds as well. It was a hit. That assembled joyful recollections. Now associated with this recipe. At our family table.
What makes this Smoked Stuffed Meatballs truly unique?
What makes these meatballs unique? Is the surprise center of gooey mozzarella cheese. That perfectly complements the savory layer. These meatballs are infused with a flavor from slow smoking. Giving each bite a delicious twist. That can’t be recreated in an oven. Whether enjoyed on their own. As a starter or combined with spaghetti for a meal. These meatballs. Are bound to leave a lasting impression.
What You Need To Make This Smoked Stuffed Meatballs Recipe?
Ground Beef and Pork: These two meats form the foundation of our meatballs. Beef provides a rich flavor. While pork offers tenderness and juiciness. Creating a harmonious blend.
Panko Crumbs: These breadcrumbs contribute a crunch to our meatballs. And help maintain their structure. Adding an element of texture for a satisfying bite.
Yellow Onion: Bringing in a sweetness. That seamlessly integrates with the taste profile. Enhancing the flavor. Without overpowering it.
Milk: Essential for moisture retention. Milk plays a role in keeping our meatballs tender and succulent throughout.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: The ingredient that elevates the taste experience. Parmesan imparts a touch. That complements the meaty essence with each mouthful.
Salt, Pepper, and Garlic Powder: These fundamental seasonings. Are key to perfecting our meatballs. Enhancing the flavors of our core ingredients.
Eggs: Serving as binders. Eggs ensure cohesion in our meatball mixture. To prevent them from falling during cooking.
Beef Seasoning: A flavor enhancer. That adds a dimension to our meatballs. Guaranteeing they are bursting with deliciousness.
Mozzarella String Cheese: A surprise concealed within. The gooey melting cheese at the core. Transforms each bite into a delight.
BBQ Sauce, Honey, and Brown Sugar: Adding the touch. This blend results in a gooey glaze. And bursting with flavor. Providing a lovely gloss and an additional dimension of taste.
Steps To Make Smoked Stuffed Meatballs:
Step 1: Begin by warming your smoker to a cozy 250 degrees Fahrenheit, setting the stage for what’s to come.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, lovingly combine the ground meats, breadcrumbs, onion, milk, Parmesan, and seasonings. Mix with care – like you’re folding a delicate secret into the heart of each meatball.
Step 3: Chill the mixture slightly – it’s not just to make the meatballs easier to handle, but to think about the smiles they’ll bring.
Step 4: Transform the mozzarella sticks into bite-sized promises of gooey goodness.
Step 5: Create each meatball as a vessel for these cheese treasures, sealing them with a tender wrap of the meat mixture.
Step 6: Smoke these precious orbs until they’re gloriously bronzed and whispering of secret, cheesy centers.
Step 7: Anoint them with a BBQ sauce that’s sweet, tangy, and a little bit sassy, then give them a final smoke to seal in the magic.
Tip:
Here’s a great tip. To enhance these Smoked Stuffed Meatballs further; Try adding a hint of smoked paprika to your BBQ sauce. Just a teaspoon of smoked paprika in the sauce mixture. Can really boost the flavor of the meatballs. Giving them a more unified taste. That complements the slow-smoked essence of the dish. This simple tweak. Elevates the sauce. Bringing together the savory and sweet flavors beautifully. Ensuring each bite is a blend of tastes. That will impress your guests. And pleasure your desire for smokiness.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make these meatballs in the oven?
While they may lack that smoky flavor. Simply bake them at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Until they’re just as tempting.
How do I ensure the cheese stays inside the meatballs?
Wrap the meat tightly around the cheese. To create a barrier. That will keep the cheesy goodness intact as they cook.
Can I use different types of cheese?
Cooking is about exploring! Don’t hesitate to experiment with cheeses. Remember that mozzarella’s melt-in-your-mouth quality. Truly shines in this dish.
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Smoked Stuffed Meatballs
Ingredients
Meatballs:
- 2 lb ground beef
- 1 lb ground pork
- 1 c Italian panko crumbs
- ½ c yellow onion chopped
- ⅓ c milk
- ½ c grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp salt
- 3 large eggs
- 2 tsp Beef Seasoning
- 1 tsp pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 9 sticks mozzarella string cheese
BBQ Sauce:
- 1 c BBQ sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the smoker by heating it to 250°F.
- Combine all the ingredients for the meatballs in a bowl. Be careful not to overmix them.
- Let the mixture chill in the freezer for 15 minutes. To make shaping the meatballs easier.
- Cut each mozzarella stick into fifths.
- Shape the meatballs. By scooping out some of the mixture. Forming a ball. Creating an indent with your thumb. Inserting a piece of cheese and sealing it with meat.
- Arrange the meatballs on a wire rack in the smoker. Smoke them for 35 to 40 minutes.
- Create a glaze. By mixing BBQ sauce with honey and brown sugar. Brush this glaze onto the meatballs. And continue smoking for another 10 minutes. Or until they reach a temperature of 165°F.
- Enjoy your delicious smoked meatballs straight from the smoker.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
