Description
Juicy, flavorful meatballs loaded with spinach and garlic, each one stuffed with a gooey mozzarella center. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a party appetizer.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
- 2 tbsp olive oil, for cooking
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, chopped spinach, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Take a small portion of the meat mixture and flatten it in your palm. Place one mozzarella cube in the center and wrap the meat around it, forming a ball. Repeat with remaining mixture and cheese.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Arrange meatballs in the skillet, leaving space between them. Cook for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 160°F).
- Serve hot with your favorite marinara sauce, over pasta, or as a standalone appetizer.
Notes
You can customize the seasonings to taste. For a leaner option, use ground turkey instead of beef. To ensure even cooking, make sure the mozzarella cubes are fully enclosed in the meat mixture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Method: Main
- Cuisine: American