Description
These Spinach Garlic Meatballs are a savory delight, with a flavorful blend of ground beef, fresh spinach, and gooey mozzarella. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a party appetizer.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20)
- 2 cups fresh spinach (about 4 oz), sautéed and chopped (or 1/2 cup well-drained frozen spinach)
- 8 oz low-moisture mozzarella, cut into small cubes
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (regular or gluten-free)
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2–3 tbsp olive oil (for searing)
Instructions
- Prepare the spinach: In a skillet with olive oil, sauté the minced garlic until fragrant. Add fresh spinach and cook until wilted. Cool slightly, then squeeze out moisture and chop finely.
- Mix the meat: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, parsley, salt, pepper, egg, and chopped spinach. Mix gently until just combined.
- Form and stuff: Flatten a portion of meat in your palm, place a cube of mozzarella in the center, and seal the meat around it to form a ball. Repeat with remaining mixture.
- Sear the meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear meatballs in batches, about 2–3 minutes per side, until golden brown.
- Finish cooking:
- Option 1: Cover skillet and cook on low for 5–7 more minutes.
- Option 2: Transfer to a 375°F (190°C) oven and bake for 10–12 minutes.
Notes
- Make sure to properly seal the mozzarella inside each meatball to prevent it from oozing out during cooking.
- Adjust salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Searing, Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 meatball
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: Spinach Garlic Meatballs, Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs, Meatball Recipe
