Description
Juicy ground meatballs packed with spinach and garlic, with a gooey mozzarella center. Perfect as an appetizer or main dish.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil for cooking
- For the sauce (optional): 1 cup marinara sauce
Instructions
- 1. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, chopped spinach, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, salt, pepper, onion powder, and oregano. Mix until well combined.
- 2. Take about 2 tablespoons of the meat mixture and flatten into a small patty. Place a cube of mozzarella in the center and wrap the meat around it, forming a meatball. Repeat with remaining mixture.
- 3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add meatballs and cook until browned on all sides, about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally.
- 4. If desired, reduce heat to low, add marinara sauce, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes until meatballs are cooked through and cheese is melted.
- 5. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan or fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
To ensure the cheese stays inside, make sure the meatball is sealed completely. You can also bake the meatballs at 400°F for 15-20 minutes instead of pan-frying.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Appetizer / Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Fat: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Protein: 35g