Caramelized Onion & Blue Cheese Stuffed Meatballs
A luxurious twist on a classic comfort food, these meatballs are filled with tangy blue cheese and topped with sweet caramelized onions.
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 250kcal
Ingredients
Meatball Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef Rich in flavor, foundation of the meatballs.
- 1 small onion, finely grated Adds moisture and sweetness.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced For a fragrant kick.
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs Helps bind the meatballs together.
- 1 large egg Acts as a binder.
- 1 tsp salt Enhances flavors.
- 1/2 tsp black pepper Adds subtle warmth.
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika Optional, for a hint of smokiness.
- 3 oz blue cheese, cut into small chunks The star of the stuffing, creamy and sharp.
Caramelized Onion Topping
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced For caramelizing and topping the meatballs.
- 1 tbsp olive oil For sautéing the onions.
- 1 tsp butter Adds richness.
- 1 pinch salt For seasoning the onions.
- 1/2 tsp sugar Optional, for enhancing caramelization.
Garnish
- to taste fresh parsley, chopped For garnish.
Instructions
Caramelize the Onions
- Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add thinly sliced onions and a pinch of salt.
- Cook the onions slowly for about 20-25 minutes, stirring often, until they become golden brown and soft.
- Add optional sugar if desired to enhance sweetness, then remove from heat and set aside.
Make the Meatball Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, grated onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika if using.
- Mix gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
Form the Meatballs
- Take a small portion of the meat mixture and flatten it in your hand.
- Place a piece of blue cheese in the center, wrap the meat around it to seal, and form a ball.
- Repeat this process with the remaining mixture.
Cook the Meatballs
- Heat a drizzle of oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add meatballs and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side until browned.
- Cover the skillet and continue cooking for another 5 minutes until fully cooked through and cheese is melted.
Assemble and Serve
- Plate the meatballs and spoon caramelized onions on top.
- Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve warm.
Notes
For best results, slow-cook the onions for maximum flavor and richness. You can substitute blue cheese with feta or goat cheese if desired. Serve with spaghetti, mashed potatoes, or as appetizers.