Description
These Spinach Garlic Mozzarella Meatballs are tender, flavorful, and stuffed with gooey mozzarella centers. Perfect as a hearty appetizer or served with pasta for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 450g ground beef or a mix of beef and pork
- 1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 60ml breadcrumbs
- 25g Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 1 large egg
- ½ teaspoon fine salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning blend
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- In a large bowl, gently combine ground beef, spinach, garlic, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix just until combined, without overworking.
- Take 1–2 tablespoons of the meat mixture, flatten it in your palm, place a cube of mozzarella in the center, and wrap the meat around it, sealing completely. Roll into a ball and repeat with the remaining mixture.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs in batches without overcrowding. Cook for 4–5 minutes per side, gently turning, until browned all over and cooked through.
- Serve hot with marinara sauce for dipping or toss with your favorite pasta. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves if desired.
Notes
- Do not overmix the meat to keep the meatballs tender.
- Use freshly chopped spinach for the best flavor and texture.
- Ensure the mozzarella cubes are completely sealed inside to prevent cheese leakage during cooking.
- Brown the meatballs in batches for even cooking and to avoid steaming.
- These meatballs can be frozen after cooking and reheated when needed.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer / Main Dish
- Method: Pan-fried
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 meatballs
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
