Spicy Swiss Cheese Stuffed Meatballs

Backstory: These meatballs bring a little heat to the table, inspired by my love for flavors with a zing! The combination of Swiss cheese and spicy seasoning takes this classic dish to a whole new level.

Ingredients:

• For the Meatballs:

  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (you can use plain or Italian seasoned)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tablespoon dried parsley)
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to your spice preference)
  • 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked for extra flavor)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

• Cheese Filling:

  • 4 oz (113g) Swiss cheese, cut into small cubes

• For the Sauce:

  • 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper (for extra heat)

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic, egg, red pepper flakes, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is combined.

3. Stuff the Meatballs: Take a small amount of the meat mixture and flatten it in your hand. Place a cube of Swiss cheese in the center, then fold the meat around the cheese and shape it into a ball. Repeat until all the mixture is used.

4. Bake the Meatballs: Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until they are cooked through and browned.

5. Heat the Sauce: While the meatballs are baking, heat the marinara sauce in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the Italian seasoning and crushed red pepper for that extra kick.

6. Combine: Once the meatballs are done, you can either serve them on their own or add them directly into the sauce to simmer for a few minutes.

7. Serve: Serve your Spicy Swiss Cheese Stuffed Meatballs over spaghetti, on a sub roll, or on their own with a sprinkle of more Parmesan and fresh parsley.