Delicious Meatball Stuffed Biscuits: The Ultimate Easy Recipe for Appetizers & Quick Dinners
Prepare to be delighted by these incredible meatball stuffed biscuits! Combining the irresistible flakiness of a perfect biscuit with a savory, cheesy meatball surprise hidden within, this recipe is guaranteed to become a family favorite. If you’re a fan of classic meatball recipes, you’ll love this ingenious twist that brings comfort and flavor to a whole new level. Much like my popular stuffed mushrooms, these little pockets of deliciousness are ideal for festive game days, casual get-togethers with friends and family, or as a convenient grab-and-go dinner for those hectic weeknights, like after soccer practice!
What makes these meatball stuffed biscuits truly special is their deceptive simplicity. They look impressive and sophisticated, making guests believe you spent hours in the kitchen, but in reality, they’re incredibly straightforward to prepare. This also makes it an easy recipe to scale up; feel free to double or even triple the ingredients for large family gatherings or when everyone inevitably asks for seconds! Serve these delectable treats warm with your favorite marinara sauce for an unforgettable appetizer. When I first made these, my kids absolutely devoured them, sparking the idea of preparing them ahead of time. Imagine assembling these biscuits earlier in the day, then baking them just before heading out for soccer or football practice on those chilly, rainy evenings we all remember as sports parents. Toss them into paper lunch bags and bring along a container of warm marinara for dipping, and you’ve got a perfect, comforting grab-and-go dinner solution.
Crafting Your Own Easy Meatball Stuffed Biscuits
This fantastic recipe is a slight adaptation of Pillsbury’s original Meatball Bubble Biscuits. To ensure maximum ease and convenience, it utilizes pre-cooked meatballs. However, for those who love to cook from scratch, any of your cherished homemade meatball recipes would make an exceptional filling. Don’t feel limited to Italian-style meatballs; consider spicy or even turkey meatballs for a different flavor profile. The recipe traditionally calls for string cheese, which offers a delightful pull and makes portioning simple. But if you have a block of mozzarella or shredded mozzarella on hand, feel free to use that instead – the melted cheese will still be absolutely divine. For a visual guide to making these mouthwatering meatball stuffed biscuits, be sure to check out the video below!
A printable version of this delightful meatball bubble biscuits recipe is provided further down the page for your convenience. These biscuits are a versatile addition to any celebration, making them an excellent choice for a holiday appetizer spread. Envision them gracing your tables during Christmas, Thanksgiving, or even New Year’s Eve! While meatballs are a staple at many party buffets, no one will be expecting this delicious and creative twist. Arrange them artfully on a platter, perhaps poking each with a toothpick for easy grabbing, and place a small bowl of warm marinara sauce in the center for dipping. This presentation makes them an instant crowd-pleaser and a talking point at any gathering.
Essential Ingredients for Homemade Meatball Stuffed Biscuits
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating these savory delights. Here’s what you’ll need, along with some tips for choosing the best components:
- Biscuits: 1 12-oz can Pillsbury Grands Jr. Golden Layers refrigerated buttermilk biscuits. These provide a wonderfully flaky texture that complements the meaty filling. If these aren’t available in your region, or if you prefer a homemade touch, you can certainly use your favorite homemade biscuit recipe. Just ensure they are of a similar size and can be easily worked into individual portions.
- Meatballs: 10 frozen fully cooked Italian style meatballs, thawed and cut in half. Using pre-cooked meatballs saves a significant amount of preparation time, making this recipe perfect for busy schedules. For those who prefer to make their own, any homemade meatballs would be fantastic here. Ensure they are completely thawed before cutting and stuffing.
- Cheese: 4 sticks string cheese (mozzarella, about 3 ounces), each cut into 5 pieces. String cheese is incredibly convenient for this recipe as it’s already pre-portioned and easy to handle. If you have a block of mozzarella or shredded mozzarella, you can certainly substitute it; simply ensure you use roughly the same amount for optimal cheesiness. Provolone or a mild cheddar could also offer an interesting variation.
- Parmesan Cheese: 1 tablespoon fresh grated Parmesan cheese. This adds a salty, umami kick to the exterior of the biscuits, enhancing their flavor profile as they bake. Freshly grated Parmesan offers the best taste.
- Italian Seasoning: 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning. A blend of classic Italian herbs like oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary, this seasoning ties all the flavors together, giving the biscuits an authentic Italian-inspired aroma and taste.
- Garlic Powder: 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder. Garlic powder adds a subtle yet essential savory depth to the biscuits, complementing the meatballs and cheese beautifully.
- Marinara Sauce: 1 cup marinara sauce. This is crucial for serving. A good quality marinara, whether homemade or store-bought, provides the perfect tangy and rich dipping experience.
- Baking Pan: A 9-inch round cake pan is ideal for baking these biscuits, allowing them to nestle together and bake evenly.
Tip: While cooking spray works well to prevent sticking, these parchment circles are an amazing alternative for easy cleanup and consistent non-stick results!
Step-by-Step Instructions for Flawless Meatball Stuffed Biscuits
- Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature for even baking and golden-brown biscuits.
- Prepare the Biscuits: Carefully separate the biscuits from the can. Each biscuit should then be cut in half, yielding a total of 20 pieces. This creates the perfect base for individual stuffed biscuits.
- Stuff the Biscuits: Take one biscuit piece and gently roll it into a ball, then flatten it in the palm of your hand. This creates a small disc of dough. Place one piece of string cheese (you might need to lightly flatten it with your fingers to fit) and one meatball half into the center of the biscuit dough. Carefully wrap the dough around the filling, ensuring the edges are completely sealed. It’s crucial to seal them well to prevent the filling from oozing out during baking. Place the sealed biscuit seam-side down into your prepared 9-inch round cake pan. Repeat this process for all remaining meatballs and biscuit pieces, arranging them snugly in the pan.
- Seasoning Touch: Lightly mist the tops of the assembled biscuits with olive oil cooking spray. If you prefer not to use spray, you can lightly brush them with a small amount of olive oil or melted butter. This helps the seasonings adhere and promotes a beautiful golden crust. Sprinkle generously with fresh grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning for an extra layer of flavor.
- Bake to Perfection: Transfer the pan to the preheated oven and bake for 18-23 minutes, or until the biscuits are gorgeously golden brown and cooked through. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time to prevent over-browning.
- Serve Warm: Once baked, remove the pan from the oven. Allow the biscuits to cool slightly before serving. These are best enjoyed warm, ideally with a side of your favorite marinara sauce for dipping.
These simple steps will guide you to a batch of perfectly baked, incredibly flavorful meatball stuffed biscuits that everyone will adore. Enjoy the aroma that fills your kitchen and the smiles on your family’s faces!
Exploring More Ground Beef Delights & Variations
If you’ve enjoyed the savory goodness of these meatball stuffed biscuits, you’ll be thrilled to discover the endless possibilities that ground beef offers. It’s a versatile and economical protein that can anchor countless delicious meals. Here are some more ground beef ideas and variations to inspire your culinary adventures:
- If you appreciate the comforting flavors of this recipe, you might also find delight in my hearty meatball soup. Or, for a classic favorite, try my son’s beloved meatball sandwich, a staple for many households.
- For a timeless Italian-American dish that’s always a winner, I also have a fantastic recipe for classic spaghetti and meatballs in marinara sauce. It’s perfect for a satisfying family dinner.
- If your family enjoys ground beef and you often stock up when it’s on sale, you might want to consider engaging in some smart ground beef freezer cooking. This method helps you prepare meals in advance, saving time and effort on busy weekdays.
- Feeling a bit more ambitious and want to ensure the freshest quality? Try your hand at grinding your own meat. It’s easier than you might think and gives you complete control over the texture and fat content.
- For a wider array of dinner ideas, you can always check out this comprehensive collection of ground beef recipes. It’s packed with inspiration for every palate and occasion!
- For a unique and crowd-pleasing party appetizer, our Crockpot Grape Jelly Meatballs are a must-try. These sweet and spicy delights require just 4 simple ingredients and practically cook themselves.
- If you’re craving something rich and comforting, our version of Swedish meatballs delivers subtly spiced meatballs immersed in a creamy, savory gravy. It’s a taste of Scandinavia that’s perfect for a cozy meal.
Customization and Variations for Your Meatball Stuffed Biscuits:
- Cheese Choices: Experiment with different cheeses beyond mozzarella. Provolone, Monterey Jack, or even a smoked cheddar could add interesting flavor notes.
- Meatball Flavors: While Italian-style is classic, consider using spicy meatballs for a kick, or turkey meatballs for a lighter option. You could also make your own mini homemade meatballs seasoned with different herbs and spices like oregano and red pepper flakes.
- Add-ins: For extra texture and flavor, finely chop and sauté a small amount of onion, bell pepper, or mushrooms and mix them into the meatball halves before stuffing. Just ensure they are cooked and cooled to avoid making the biscuit dough soggy.
- Seasoning Boost: Beyond Italian seasoning and garlic powder, a pinch of onion powder, dried basil, or even a touch of smoked paprika could elevate the flavor.
- Dipping Sauces: While marinara is traditional, explore other dipping sauces. A creamy Alfredo sauce, a vibrant pesto, or even a zesty arrabiata for those who enjoy a little heat would be delicious complements.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips:
These meatball stuffed biscuits are wonderfully suited for making ahead. You can assemble them completely, place them in the baking pan, cover them tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. For longer storage, you can freeze the assembled (unbaked) biscuits on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 1-2 months. When ready to bake from frozen, increase the baking time by about 5-10 minutes, or until golden brown and heated through. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Meatball Stuffed Biscuits:
- Can I use raw meatballs? It’s highly recommended to use fully cooked meatballs for this recipe. Raw meatballs may not cook through evenly within the biscuit’s baking time, and the excess moisture could make the biscuits soggy.
- What if I don’t have Pillsbury Grands Jr. biscuits? You can use other brands of refrigerated flaky layer biscuits of a similar size. Homemade biscuits are also an excellent option if you have a favorite recipe.
- My biscuits are unrolling/falling apart during baking. What did I do wrong? The most common reason is not sealing the edges thoroughly enough. Ensure you pinch the dough firmly around the filling to create a tight seal. You can also lightly moisten the edges with water before pinching them together.
- Can I make these gluten-free? If you can find gluten-free refrigerated biscuit dough and gluten-free meatballs, this recipe can be adapted. Always check ingredient labels carefully.
- What else can I serve these with? Besides marinara, these are great with a simple green salad, a side of roasted vegetables, or even a creamy pasta salad for a more complete meal.
Meatball Stuffed Biscuits
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Ingredients
- 1 12- oz can Pillsbury Grands Jr. Golden Layers refrigerated buttermilk biscuits
- 10 frozen fully cooked italian style meatballs thawed and cut in half
- 4 sticks string cheese mozzarella, about 3 ounces, cut each into 5 pieces
- 1 tablespoon fresh grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup marinara sauce
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 375 F.
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Separate biscuits, then cut each one in half. You should have 20 pieces.
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Gently roll a biscuit piece into a ball and flatten it in the palm of your hand. Place one piece of string cheese (you may need to flatten it with your fingers) and one meatball half into the biscuit and wrap remaining dough around the filling and seal edges. Place seam side down into 9 inch round cake pan. Repeat for remaining meatballs.
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Lightly mist the biscuits with olive oil cooking spray, or lightly brush with oil or melted butter. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, garlic powder and Italian seasoning.
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Bake 18-23 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm with your favorite marinara sauce.
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.