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Jalapeño Popper Stuffed Meatballs

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  • Author: Mari
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Juicy beef meatballs stuffed with a creamy, cheesy jalapeño filling, baked to perfection—an irresistible twist on a classic! These meatballs bring the perfect balance of spice, cheesiness, and tenderness, making them a hit at any meal or gathering.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Meatballs:

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

For the Filling:

  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 jalapeño, finely diced
  • 2 tablespoons chopped green onions

Instructions

1. Prepare the Filling:

  1. In a small bowl, mix cream cheese, cheddar cheese, jalapeño, and green onions.
  2. Roll into small balls (about 1 teaspoon each) and place on a tray.
  3. Freeze for 15 minutes to firm up.

2. Make the Meatballs:

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Mix well.
  3. Take a portion of the meat mixture, flatten it in your palm, place a frozen filling ball in the center, and wrap the meat around it, sealing tightly.

3. Bake & Serve:

  1. Arrange stuffed meatballs on the baking sheet.
  2. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown and fully cooked.
  3. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce or as a main dish with rice or salad!

Notes

  • Swap cheddar for pepper jack for an extra spicy kick.
  • Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
  • Serve with ranch dressing, spicy aioli, or BBQ sauce for dipping.