Description
Savory spinach garlic meatballs stuffed with mozzarella showcase Italian culinary artistry. Cheesy centers and herbal notes promise a delightful Mediterranean-inspired meal for hungry diners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (454 g) ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken)
- 12 small mozzarella cubes (about ½-inch pieces)
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (or panko)
- 1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
- 2 cups marinara sauce (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Meat Mixture Preparation: Combine ground meat with finely chopped spinach, minced garlic, grated Parmesan, breadcrumbs, egg, and Italian seasonings in a large mixing bowl. Blend ingredients thoroughly but gently to maintain a light texture.
- Mozzarella Stuffing: Divide meat mixture into portions, flattening each piece and inserting a cube of mozzarella at the center. Carefully seal the cheese inside, rolling the meat into smooth, compact spheres that completely encase the molten cheese core.
- Cooking Process: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Gently place meatballs in the pan, rotating to achieve an even golden-brown crust. Reduce heat, cover, and cook for 8-10 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F, ensuring complete and safe cooking.
- Final Touches: Optional marinara sauce can be added to the skillet, allowing meatballs to simmer and absorb additional flavor profiles. Finish by garnishing with delicate Parmesan shavings and freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant and aromatic presentation.
Notes
- Prevent Cheese Leakage: Seal meatball edges tightly and chill before cooking to help mozzarella stay inside during high-heat cooking.
- Avoid Meat Toughness: Mix ingredients gently without overworking the meat mixture to maintain tender, juicy meatballs.
- Control Cooking Temperature: Use medium heat and rotate meatballs frequently to develop even golden-brown crust without burning.
- Customize Dietary Needs: Substitute ground meat with turkey or plant-based alternatives, use gluten-free breadcrumbs for different dietary preferences.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg