🍯🧀Cheesy Glazed Meatballs
Juicy homemade meatballs baked until beautifully browned, coated in a sweet and savory glaze, then topped with plenty of melted mozzarella. Perfect for an easy family dinner or party appetizer!
🛒 Ingredients
For the Meatballs
- 1½ lb (680 g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ½ cup milk
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
For the Glaze
- ½ cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
For Topping
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh thyme, for garnish
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Prepare the oven 🔥
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with cooking spray or a little oil.
2. Make the meatball mixture
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped onion, garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, milk, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until everything is evenly combined. Avoid overmixing so the meatballs stay tender.
3. Shape the meatballs
Form the mixture into large, evenly sized meatballs. Arrange them in a single layer in the prepared baking dish.
4. Bake
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the meatballs are browned and nearly cooked through.
5. Make the glaze 🍯
While the meatballs are baking, mix together the ketchup, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth.
6. Add the glaze & cheese 🧀
Remove the meatballs from the oven and generously brush them with the glaze. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella around and between the meatballs.
7. Finish baking ✨
Return the dish to the oven for another 8–10 minutes, until the mozzarella is completely melted, bubbly, and lightly golden and the glaze becomes sticky and caramelized.
8. Garnish & serve 🌿
Finish with fresh thyme and serve hot while the cheese is still wonderfully gooey.
💡 Tips
- Don’t overmix the beef mixture—this keeps the meatballs soft and juicy.
- For evenly cooked meatballs, try to make them roughly the same size.
- For an extra-glossy finish, brush on a little additional glaze during the final few minutes.
- Let the meatballs rest for 3–5 minutes before serving.
🔥 Result: tender, juicy meatballs + sticky caramelized glaze + lots of melty mozzarella = irresistible comfort food!