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Feta-Stuffed Meatballs Recipe

Feta-Stuffed Meatballs Recipe
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★★★★★

4.9 from 28 reviews

These Feta-Stuffed Meatballs are a delicious fusion of juicy ground meat and tangy feta cheese, baked to perfection and optionally served with a zesty marinara sauce. Perfect for a hearty dinner, they combine Mediterranean flavors with a simple, easy-to-follow recipe that’s sure to impress.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Meatballs

  • 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
  • 1 egg
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs
  • 2 tbsp milk
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely grated
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt & black pepper, to taste

For the Filling

  • ½ cup feta cheese, cut into small cubes or crumbled into firm pieces

Optional Sauce

  • ½ cup marinara
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • Pinch of oregano

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
  2. Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground meat with egg, breadcrumbs, milk, grated onion, minced garlic, dried oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything gently until just combined, taking care not to overwork the meat for tender meatballs.
  3. Form the Meatballs: Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the meat mixture and flatten it slightly in your palm. Place a small cube or crumbled piece of feta cheese in the center, then carefully wrap the meat around the cheese to encase it completely. Roll gently to seal the edges. Repeat this process until all the meat mixture is used.
  4. Arrange and Drizzle: Place the formed meatballs on the prepared baking sheet and drizzle them lightly with olive oil to promote browning and keep them moist during baking.
  5. Bake: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 18 to 22 minutes, or until they are golden brown on the outside and fully cooked through on the inside.
  6. Prepare the Optional Sauce: If you prefer, warm the marinara sauce with olive oil, lemon juice, and a pinch of oregano in a small pan. Once heated through, spoon this sauce over the meatballs just before serving to add a fresh, tangy flavor.
  7. Serve: Serve the feta-stuffed meatballs warm alongside rice, a fresh salad, pita bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.

Notes

  • Ground beef or turkey can be substituted with ground lamb or chicken for a different flavor profile.
  • For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or omit them and add an extra egg for binding.
  • The feta cheese can be replaced with other crumbly cheeses like goat cheese or halloumi for variation.
  • These meatballs can also be pan-fried in olive oil over medium heat if you prefer a crispy exterior.
  • Make sure to seal the feta well inside the meat mixture to prevent it from leaking while baking.
  • Leftover meatballs can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 1 month.

Nutrition

Keywords: feta stuffed meatballs, baked meatballs, Mediterranean meatballs, ground beef recipe, easy dinner, feta cheese meatballs, baked ground turkey

Find it online: https://maicook.com/feta-stuffed-meatballs-recipe/