Description
Juicy, flavorful meatballs packed with spinach and garlic, with a gooey mozzarella center. Perfect as an appetizer or served over pasta.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 4 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, cut into 12 small cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, chopped spinach, minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, egg, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix until just combined.
- Take about 2 tablespoons of the mixture and flatten it in your palm. Place a cube of mozzarella in the center and wrap the meat around it, forming a ball. Repeat with remaining mixture and cheese.
- Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs and brown on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until meatballs are cooked through and cheese is melted.
- Serve warm, optionally with marinara sauce or as desired.
Notes
You can customize the seasonings to taste. For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Method: Main
- Cuisine: Italian-American