Description
Juicy meatballs infused with fresh spinach and garlic, hiding a delightful surprise of molten mozzarella cheese inside.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef (80/20 recommended)
1/2 lb ground pork (or additional ground beef)
1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped and squeezed dry
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (Panko or plain)
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
4 oz low-moisture mozzarella cheese, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
2 tablespoons olive oil (for pan-frying, optional)
1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce, warmed (for serving)
Instructions
Step 1: In a large bowl, gently combine ground beef, ground pork, chopped spinach, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix just until combined; do not overmix, as this can lead to tough meatballs.
Step 2: Take about 1.5-2 tablespoons of the meat mixture and flatten it into a disk in your palm. Place one mozzarella cube in the center. Carefully mold the meat around the cheese, ensuring it is completely sealed within the meatball. Roll gently to form a smooth ball. Repeat with the remaining mixture and cheese.
Step 3: (Optional, for pan-frying): Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides, about 5-7 minutes total. Transfer to a baking sheet.
Step 4: (For baking): Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange meatballs (either browned or raw) on a baking sheet.
Step 5: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). The cheese should be melted and gooey.
Step 6: Serve immediately with warm marinara sauce and your favorite pasta, or in a sub roll.
Notes
For easy meal prep, raw meatballs can be frozen on a baking sheet until solid, then transferred to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Cook from frozen, adding 10-15 minutes to baking time.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking, Pan-frying
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 meatballs
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 90mg