Name: Irresistible Smoked Stuffed Meatballs Bursting with Flavor
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 70 min
Ingredients: 1 pound Ground Beef (Can substitute with ground turkey or chicken.); 1 pound Ground Pork (Can be replaced with an equal amount of ground beef or turkey.); 1 cup Italian Panko Crumbs (Substitute with regular breadcrumbs if necessary.); 1 medium Yellow Onion (chopped) (Sautéing gives a milder taste.); 1/2 cup Milk (Almond milk works for a dairy-free option.); 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese (Nutritional yeast is a vegan substitute.); 1 teaspoon Salt (Adjust according to dietary needs.); 2 large Eggs (Can substitute with flaxseed meal mixed with water.); 1 tablespoon Beef Seasoning (Use garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.); 1 teaspoon Pepper (White pepper can be used for a milder flavor.); 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder (Fresh minced garlic can deepen the flavor.); 8 strings Mozzarella String Cheese (Can use ricotta or goat cheese.); 1 cup BBQ Sauce (Different sauces can be tried.); 1/4 cup Honey (Maple syrup can be a vegan substitute.); 1/4 cup Brown Sugar (Coconut sugar can be a healthier substitute.)

As I stood by the smoker, the tantalizing aroma of smoky meat began to fill the air, teasing my taste buds. That’s when I realized: nothing beats the joy of biting into a Cheesy Smoked Stuffed Meatball filled with gooey mozzarella and drizzled with a sweet BBQ glaze. This recipe not only satisfies your cravings but also transforms casual gatherings into mouthwatering feasts that your friends and family will rave about. With easy prep and endless customization options, from swapping in leaner meats to playing with flavorful glazes, these stuffed meatballs are sure to become a go-to party appetizer. Ready to impress your guests with a dish that’s both comforting and irresistible? Let’s fire up that smoker!

Why are these meatballs a game changer?

Unforgettable Flavor: The blend of smoky goodness and sweet BBQ glaze creates a taste sensation you won’t forget.

Customizable Options: Feel free to swap ingredients—try ground turkey or chicken for a lighter twist or experiment with different cheeses like ricotta or goat cheese.

Simplicity: This recipe is straightforward, ensuring that even novice cooks can impress their guests with minimal fuss.

Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Perfect for parties or game day, these cheesy delights are bound to be a hit among friends and family.

Meal Versatility: Pair these meatballs with sides like smoked potato skins or grilled vegetables for a full meal experience.

Smoked Stuffed Meatballs Ingredients

For the Meatball Mixture

Ground Beef – The primary protein source; for a lighter option, use ground turkey or chicken.
Ground Pork – Adds moisture and flavor; can be replaced with an equal amount of ground beef or turkey.
Italian Panko Crumbs – Provides binding and texture; substitute with regular breadcrumbs if necessary.
Yellow Onion (chopped) – Adds flavor and moisture; sautéing before mixing softens the onion for a milder taste.
Milk – Keeps the meatballs moist; almond milk works for a dairy-free option.
Grated Parmesan Cheese – Enhances flavor and richness; nutritional yeast is a great vegan substitute.
Salt – Essential for seasoning; adjust according to your dietary needs.
Large Eggs – Binds the meatball mixture; can substitute with flaxseed meal mixed with water for a vegan option.
Beef Seasoning – Imparts depth of flavor; consider using garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
Pepper – For added seasoning; white pepper can be used for a milder flavor.
Garlic Powder – Boosts the aromatic profile; fresh minced garlic can deepen the flavor.

For the Filling

Mozzarella String Cheese – Melty center filling; ricotta or goat cheese can be swapped for a unique twist.

For the BBQ Glaze

BBQ Sauce – Coats the meatballs for a delicious finish; try different BBQ sauces or honey garlic sauce for variety.
Honey – Adds sweetness to the glaze; swap with maple syrup for a vegan-friendly alternative.
Brown Sugar – Boosts caramelization in the BBQ sauce; coconut sugar can be used for a healthier substitute.

These Smoked Stuffed Meatballs are a tantalizing blend of flavors that are sure to steal the show at your next gathering!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Smoked Stuffed Meatballs

Step 1: Preheat the Smoker
Begin by preheating your smoker to a steady 250°F (120°C). This temperature is ideal for gently cooking and infusing the meatballs with that signature smoky flavor. Allow your smoker to reach the target heat before moving forward to ensure the best results for your Cheesy Smoked Stuffed Meatballs.

Step 2: Prepare the Meatball Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, Italian panko crumbs, chopped onion, milk, grated Parmesan, salt, eggs, beef seasoning, pepper, and garlic powder. Mix gently with your hands until just combined—it’s important not to overmix to maintain a tender texture. Once mixed, the ingredients should form a cohesive mixture for your meatballs.

Step 3: Chill the Mixture
Cover your bowl with plastic wrap and place the meatball mixture in the freezer for about 15 minutes. This chilling period helps the ingredients firm up, making it easier to shape your meatballs later on. You’ll know it’s ready when the mixture is slightly hardened but still pliable.

Step 4: Cut the Mozzarella
While the meatball mixture chills, prepare the filling by cutting the mozzarella string cheese into fifths. Each piece should be roughly the size of a tablespoon, ensuring that they melt beautifully inside the meatballs. Set these aside for stuffing your smoked stuffed meatballs later.

Step 5: Form the Meatballs
After chilling, take a cookie scoop and portion out the meat mixture. Create a small cavity in each meatball, insert a piece of mozzarella, and then carefully seal the meat around the cheese. Aim for uniformity in size, so your meatballs cook evenly on the smoker.

Step 6: Prepare for Smoking
Lightly oil a wire rack and arrange your formed meatballs on it, ensuring there’s space between each ball for smoke circulation. This setup will allow the heat to evenly reach every meatball during the smoking process, enhancing the flavor and texture of your Cheesy Smoked Stuffed Meatballs.

Step 7: Smoke the Meatballs
Transfer the rack with the meatballs to the preheated smoker and close the lid. Smoke them for 35-40 minutes, or until they have a nice golden-brown exterior. An internal temperature of around 165°F (74°C) indicates they’re thoroughly cooked and ready for the next step.

Step 8: Make the BBQ Glaze
In a small bowl, mix together your BBQ sauce, honey, and brown sugar until well combined. This glaze will add a sweet sticky layer that complements the smokiness of the meatballs. Adjust the sweetness to your taste, and set the bowl aside until you’re ready to apply it.

Step 9: Glaze and Finish Smoking
After 35-40 minutes of smoking, brush the prepared BBQ glaze over each meatball. Return them to the smoker and let them cook for an additional 10 minutes or until the glaze caramelizes and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). You’ll know they’re done when they look beautifully glazed and are bubbling slightly.

Step 10: Serve Your Meatballs
Once smoked to perfection, carefully remove the meatballs from the smoker and let them rest for a few minutes. This resting period helps the cheese set slightly, preventing it from oozing out when served. Now, they’re ready to be enjoyed hot and fresh, making your Cheesy Smoked Stuffed Meatballs the star of any gathering!

What to Serve with Cheesy Smoked Stuffed Meatballs?

Elevate your gathering with delightful sides that perfectly complement these smoky, cheesy bites.

Smoked Potato Skins: Crispy with a smoky flavor, these potato skins stuffed with cheese and bacon provide a delicious crunch alongside your meatballs.
Grilled Vegetables: Colorful and vibrant, grilled veggies add freshness and texture to balance the rich flavors of meatballs. Think zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus drizzled with olive oil.
Corn on the Cob: Juicy kernels of sweet corn, either grilled or boiled, create a delightful contrast to the savory meatballs and showcase summer’s bounty.
Tangy Coleslaw: A crunchy, tangy slaw made with cabbage, carrots, and a zesty dressing brightens the meal, providing a refreshing bite against the heartiness of the meatballs.
Garlic Bread: Warm and buttery garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any extra BBQ sauce, making it an ideal pairing that brings a homestyle comfort feel.
Craft Beer: A light, hoppy craft beer complements the smoky, sweet flavors while enhancing the overall dining experience with its refreshing effervescence.

These wonderful pairings ensure your Cheesy Smoked Stuffed Meatballs shine at your next get-together!

Storage Tips for Smoked Stuffed Meatballs

Fridge: Store any leftover smoked stuffed meatballs in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Make sure they’re completely cooled before sealing to prevent condensation.
Freezer: To maintain peak flavor and texture, freeze meatballs without the BBQ glaze in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag and store for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Reheat thawed meatballs in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can brush them with BBQ sauce before reheating for extra flavor.
Serving Fresh: Enjoy the best taste by consuming the smoked stuffed meatballs within the recommended timeframes, ensuring that every bite remains deliciously tender and cheesy.

Expert Tips for Smoked Stuffed Meatballs

Don’t Overmix: Gently combine the meat mixture to avoid tough meatballs. A light touch ensures tenderness in your smoked stuffed meatballs.
Chill for Ease: Allow the meat mixture to chill for 15 minutes. This makes shaping the meatballs easier and helps them hold their form during smoking.
Use a Meat Thermometer: Ensure perfect doneness by using a meat thermometer. Smoked stuffed meatballs should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Experiment with Fillings: Try different cheeses, like ricotta or goat cheese, for a unique twist. Variety keeps your guests coming back for more!
Let Them Rest: Allow the meatballs to rest for a few minutes after smoking. This helps the cheese set and avoids cheese overflow when served.

Smoked Stuffed Meatballs Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to explore the endless possibilities that can elevate your smoked stuffed meatballs to new delightfully delicious heights!

Lean Protein: Switch out ground beef and pork for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter, healthier option.
Alternative Cheese: Replace mozzarella with ricotta or goat cheese to add a rich, tangy twist to the gooey center.
Breadcrumb Swap: Use crushed tortilla chips or gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of panko for a fun and crunchy texture.
Flavor Boost: Mix in fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or chives to bring aromatic freshness to your meatball mixture.
Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to either the meatball mix or the BBQ glaze for that extra heat.
Veggie Packed: Incorporate finely chopped spinach or kale into the mixture for a nutritious upgrade that’s deliciously hidden away.
BBQ Sauce Variety: Experiment with different types of BBQ sauce—try honey garlic or a smoky chipotle variant for unique flavor profiles.
Sweet Twist: Swap out honey for maple syrup in the glaze to give your meatballs a sweet, earthy flavor that pairs wonderfully with the BBQ.

These variations will keep the smoky goodness, and your guests will keep coming back for more! For even more inspiration, you might enjoy Whiskey Peach Smoked Meatballs or Korean BBQ Meatballs. Mix and match, and enjoy your culinary creativity!

Make Ahead Options

These Cheesy Smoked Stuffed Meatballs are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the meatball mixture up to 24 hours in advance, simply cover the bowl and refrigerate it. As an alternative, form the meatballs (without the glaze) and freeze them for up to 3 months; just ensure they are well-sealed to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to cook, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before smoking. To finish, smoke the meatballs and brush on the BBQ glaze as directed—this ensures they are just as delicious and flavorful as when made fresh. This preparation not only saves time but also keeps your gatherings effortless and enjoyable!

Smoked Stuffed Meatballs Recipe FAQs

What is the best way to choose fresh ingredients for this recipe?
Absolutely! When selecting ground meat, look for lean cuts with a bright red color and minimal browning. For onions, choose those that are firm and free of dark spots. The mozzarella cheese should feel fresh and springy, and always check the expiration dates on your dairy products.

How should I store leftover smoked stuffed meatballs?
After enjoying your delicious smoked stuffed meatballs, let any leftovers cool completely. Place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Be sure to reheat them in the oven to maintain their flavor and texture!

Can I freeze the smoked stuffed meatballs?
Absolutely! To freeze, first place the assembled meatballs on a baking sheet and freeze them individually. Once they’re firm, transfer them to a freezer bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months. For best results, freeze them without the BBQ glaze, then add the glaze when you are ready to cook them fresh.

What if my meatballs are falling apart during smoking?
If your meatball mixture is too loose, it could be due to the moisture content. Try adding more breadcrumbs or chilling the mixture slightly longer before shaping. Additionally, ensure you’re forming them tightly around the mozzarella filling to maintain structure. And remember, gentle handling is key to keep them together!

Are these meatballs suitable for special dietary needs?
Very! You can easily modify this recipe to cater to different diets. For gluten-free options, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure your BBQ sauce is gluten-free as well. Dairy-free enthusiasts can swap out the cheese for vegan cheese and use almond milk. Just be mindful of ingredient labels to accommodate any allergies or dietary restrictions!

What is the ideal internal temperature for cooked meatballs?
Using a meat thermometer ensures perfectly cooked meatballs! Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Insert the thermometer into the center of a meatball to get an accurate reading—this guarantees they’re fully cooked while remaining juicy and tender.