Description: These juicy, flavorful meatballs are packed with spinach and garlic, and have a molten mozzarella center that will delight your taste buds. Perfect as an appetizer, a main course over pasta, or in a meatball sub!
Ingredients:
Meatball Mixture:
- 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
For the Cheesy Centers and Cooking:
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Preparation:
Step 1: In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef (or beef/pork mix), finely chopped spinach, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix just until everything comes together – don’t overwork it, or the meatballs will be tough.
Step 2: Take about 1-2 tablespoons of the meat mixture and flatten it in your palm. Place a cube of mozzarella right in the center.
Step 3: Carefully wrap the meat around the mozzarella, making sure to seal it completely so no cheese escapes. Roll it into a nice, round ball and repeat with the rest of the mixture.
Step 4: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches – don’t overcrowd the pan, or they won’t brown properly.
Step 5: Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, turning them gently, until they’re beautifully browned all over and cooked through completely.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
These meatballs are more than just your average meatball! The combination of savory meat, fresh spinach and garlic, and the surprise of gooey, melted mozzarella in the center makes them irresistible. They’re easy to make, can be prepped ahead of time, and are incredibly versatile. Perfect for a family dinner, a party appetizer, or even a fancy meatball sub!
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve hot with marinara sauce for dipping.
- Toss with your favorite pasta and sauce.
- Use them to make a delicious meatball sub.
- Serve as an appetizer with toothpicks.
- Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves for an extra special touch.
Tips:
- The key to tender meatballs is gentle mixing – just combine the ingredients until they hold together, no more.
- Make sure to seal each meatball completely around the mozzarella cube to prevent cheese leakage during cooking.
- These meatballs are perfect over pasta, in a sub sandwich, or just enjoyed on their own with marinara for dipping.
- You can prep these ahead of time and refrigerate for a few hours before cooking, or even freeze them for future meals.
- For extra flavor, try using a mix of ground beef and pork – the pork adds richness and keeps everything extra juicy.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Nutrition Information: (Approximate, per meatball)
- Calories: 150
- Protein: 12g
- Sodium: 250mg
Conclusion:
These Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed with Mozzarella are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. With their flavorful combination of ingredients and a gooey cheese center, they’re perfect for any occasion. Get ready for that amazing cheese pull when you bite into them!
Questions and Answers:
Q1: Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
A: While fresh spinach is recommended for the best flavor and texture, you can use frozen spinach if needed. Make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out any excess moisture before adding it to the meat mixture.
Q2: Can I bake these meatballs instead of frying them?
A: Yes, you can bake them! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they are cooked through and browned.
Q3: Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs up to the point of cooking, then refrigerate them for up to 24 hours. You can also freeze them for longer storage. When ready to cook, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight.
Q4: What kind of sauce goes well with these meatballs?
A: Marinara sauce is a classic choice, but you can also try pesto, Alfredo sauce, or even a creamy mushroom sauce.
Q5: Can I add other vegetables to the meatball mixture?
A: Yes! Finely diced onions, carrots, or zucchini would be great additions. Just make sure to chop them finely so they cook evenly.
