Description
Juicy meatballs packed with spinach and garlic, each one oozing with melty mozzarella at the center. These are perfect as a comforting main course or a hearty appetizer.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef (or 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 dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 6 oz mozzarella cheese, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Marinara sauce, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, spinach, garlic, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Mix until all ingredients are fully incorporated, but avoid overmixing to keep meatballs tender.
- Take about 2 tablespoons of the meat mixture and flatten it slightly in your palm. Place a cube of mozzarella in the center.
- Wrap the meat around the cheese, rolling it into a smooth ball. Repeat with the remaining meat mixture and cheese.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs for about 2–3 minutes per side, in batches if needed.
- Transfer the browned meatballs to the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake in the oven for 10–12 minutes, or until fully cooked through (internal temperature of 160°F/71°C).
- Serve hot with warm marinara sauce, or as desired.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey for a leaner version.
- Ensure mozzarella cubes are fully enclosed to prevent cheese leakage.
- Serve with pasta, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- To make gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 570mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 85mg