If you have a soft spot for classic comfort food with a flavorful twist, you are going to fall head over heels for the Philly Cheesesteak Meatballs in Rich Cheese Sauce Recipe. This dish takes the beloved flavors of a Philly cheesesteak—juicy seasoned beef, tender peppers and onions, and melty cheese—and transforms them into perfectly bite-sized meatballs smothered in a luscious, creamy cheese sauce. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing party appetizer, this recipe delivers that indulgent, cozy vibe everyone craves.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is surprisingly straightforward, yet each one plays an essential role in bringing this Philly Cheesesteak Meatballs in Rich Cheese Sauce Recipe to life. From the fresh veggies that add vibrant color and texture to the cheeses that ensure every bite is ooey-gooey perfection, every ingredient counts.
- 1 small onion, grated: Adds natural sweetness and moisture to the meatballs.
- 1 ½ pounds extra lean ground beef: The hearty base packed with flavor and protein.
- ½ green bell pepper, finely chopped: Offers a mild crunch and fresh bite.
- ½ red bell pepper, finely chopped: Brings a touch of sweetness and beautiful color contrast.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the meatballs with that irresistible aromatic punch.
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce: Adds depth and a savory umami kick.
- 2 large eggs: Helps bind all the meatball ingredients together perfectly.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Boosts the savory flavor with a subtle nutty note.
- ½ cup shredded Gruyère cheese: Mixed into the meatballs for extra melty goodness.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, for frying: Essential for browning the meatballs evenly and locking in juices.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: The foundation for a silky smooth cheese sauce.
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour: Thickens the cheese sauce to creamy perfection.
- 1 cup milk (3% or your preferred type): Creates the base of the rich sauce.
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese: Melts beautifully in the sauce for a luscious texture.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Adds sharpness and depth to the cheese sauce.
- ¼ teaspoon salt, or to taste: Enhances all the savory flavors.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste: Provides just the right amount of mild heat.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish): Adds a fresh, vibrant finish to the dish.
How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Meatballs in Rich Cheese Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture
Start by combining the grated onion, ground beef, finely chopped green and red bell peppers, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, eggs, Parmesan, and shredded Gruyère cheese in a large bowl. Gently mix everything together until well incorporated but be careful not to overwork the meat—that keeps your meatballs tender and juicy.
Step 2: Shape and Brown the Meatballs
Once your mixture is ready, roll it into small, 1-inch meatballs. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then fry the meatballs in batches so they brown evenly on all sides. This step locks in the flavor and creates a gorgeous crust. After browning, transfer the meatballs to a plate to rest while you make the sauce.
Step 3: Make the Rich Cheese Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the butter and stir in the flour to create a roux—this is what thickens your sauce to that perfect velvety consistency. Cook the roux for about a minute, then slowly whisk in the milk. Keep whisking until the sauce is smooth and starting to thicken. Turn the heat to low and gradually add the shredded Gruyère and cheddar cheeses, stirring until every bit has melted into a rich, creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to bring all the flavors together.
Step 4: Combine Meatballs and Cheese Sauce
Gently add the browned meatballs back into the skillet with your cheese sauce. Use a spoon to coat each meatball evenly with that luscious sauce. Let them simmer just for a few minutes so the flavors mingle and the cheese sauce clings lovingly to each bite-sized meatball.
How to Serve Philly Cheesesteak Meatballs in Rich Cheese Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh, chopped parsley is our go-to garnish. It adds a vibrant pop of green that brightens the dish visually and adds a hint of fresh herbal flavor, balancing the rich cheese sauce perfectly.
Side Dishes
These meatballs pair amazingly well with simple sides. Think buttery garlic mashed potatoes, crusty bread for dipping, or even a crisp green salad to add a refreshing crunch. Any of these options will round out your meal beautifully without overwhelming the bold flavors of the Philly Cheesesteak Meatballs in Rich Cheese Sauce Recipe.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress guests or just have fun with presentation? Serve the meatballs in mini cast-iron skillets or hollow out a crusty loaf of bread to create a cheese-and-meatball dip. You can also stack them on skewers for a party appetizer that’s easy to handle and impossible to resist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Philly Cheesesteak Meatballs in Rich Cheese Sauce Recipe keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping them chilled promptly helps maintain their flavor and texture.
Freezing
If you want to save them longer, freeze the meatballs and sauce separately for best results. Store the cooked meatballs in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Freeze the cheese sauce in a separate container to prevent separation. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to ensure the cheese sauce stays smooth and the meatballs heat through evenly. Avoid microwaving at high power, which can cause the sauce to break. Adding a splash of milk during reheating can help restore creaminess.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While Gruyère and cheddar create a beautiful flavor combo, you can swap in provolone, mozzarella, or even fontina to suit your taste preferences. Just make sure to use cheeses that melt well to keep the sauce creamy.
Are Philly Cheesesteak Meatballs in Rich Cheese Sauce Recipe spicy?
This recipe is mild and savory, focusing on rich cheese and savory meat flavors. If you love a little heat, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a drizzle of hot sauce to the sauce or meatball mix.
Can I make these meatballs gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use gluten-free all-purpose flour or cornstarch to thicken your cheese sauce, and double-check that your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Is it okay to bake the meatballs instead of frying?
Definitely. Baking is a great alternative if you want a hands-off approach. Arrange the meatballs on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until cooked through and nicely browned.
Can this recipe be doubled for a larger crowd?
Yes, and it works wonderfully for entertaining! Just double all ingredients and use a large skillet or bake the meatballs in batches. The cheese sauce can be made in a bigger pot to accommodate the extra quantity.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the way the Philly Cheesesteak Meatballs in Rich Cheese Sauce Recipe combines familiar flavors with comforting textures that warm you from the inside out. Once you try it, you’ll wonder why no one thought of turning the classic cheesesteak into juicy, cheesy meatballs sooner. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this dish as much as I do—it’s destined to become a new favorite in your recipe collection.
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Philly Cheesesteak Meatballs in Rich Cheese Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delicious Philly Cheesesteak Meatballs combine tender, flavorful meatballs with a rich, creamy cheese sauce inspired by the classic Philly cheesesteak sandwich. This recipe features ground beef mixed with onions, bell peppers, and cheeses, then pan-fried and smothered in a smooth Gruyère and cheddar cheese sauce for the perfect savory appetizer or dinner.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 small onion, grated
- 1 ½ pounds extra lean ground beef
- ½ green bell pepper, finely chopped
- ½ red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup shredded Gruyère cheese
Cooking
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, for frying
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk (3% or preferred type)
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Make Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine grated onion, extra lean ground beef, finely chopped green and red bell peppers, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, eggs, Parmesan cheese, and ½ cup shredded Gruyère cheese. Mix everything well to ensure even distribution of ingredients. Shape the mixture into small, 1-inch diameter meatballs.
- Cook Meatballs: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the meatballs in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Cook them until they are nicely browned on all sides and cooked through. Once cooked, remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside.
- Make Cheese Sauce: In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Add 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour and whisk continuously for about 1 minute to form a roux, cooking out the flour taste. Gradually whisk in 1 cup of milk until the sauce is smooth and thickened. Reduce the heat to low, then stir in 1 cup shredded Gruyère and 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese. Whisk until the cheese has melted completely and the sauce is smooth. Season the sauce with ¼ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper, adjusting to your taste.
- Combine and Serve: Add the cooked meatballs back into the cheese sauce, stirring gently to coat them evenly. Once fully coated and heated through, transfer the meatballs to a serving dish. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired, and serve warm for a comforting and flavorful meal.
Notes
- Use extra lean ground beef to avoid excessive fat release during frying, keeping meatballs firm and flavorful.
- Grated onion adds moisture and flavor to the meatballs while blending seamlessly.
- Be careful not to overcrowd the skillet when frying meatballs to ensure even browning.
- The cheese sauce can be adjusted with different types of cheese according to preference, but Gruyère and cheddar provide a classic Philly cheesesteak flavor.
- Fresh parsley garnish is optional but adds a nice color contrast and fresh flavor.
- Allow the roux to cook for about a minute to avoid a raw flour taste in the sauce.
