These tender and juicy meatballs are a savory blend of seasoned ground meat, fresh spinach, and fragrant garlic, stuffed with ooey-gooey mozzarella cheese. Perfect for a hearty dinner or a tasty appetizer, they pair wonderfully with marinara sauce, pasta, or a light side salad.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 8 oz mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for frying)
- Marinara sauce (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the Meat Mixture:
In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, chopped spinach, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly until well-combined. - Form the Meatballs:
Take a small amount of the meat mixture and flatten it in your hand. Place a cube of mozzarella in the center, then wrap the meat around the cheese, forming it into a ball. Repeat until all the meat mixture is used, making sure the cheese is well-enclosed. - Cook the Meatballs:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until browned all over. Make sure to turn them gently to prevent breaking. - Finish Cooking (Optional Oven Method):
If you want them extra tender, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). After browning the meatballs, transfer them to a baking dish and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until fully cooked through. - Serve:
Serve the meatballs hot with marinara sauce or over pasta. Enjoy the melty mozzarella surprise in every bite!