Description
Mouthwatering spinach garlic meatballs stuffed with mozzarella blend Mediterranean flavors into a delightful culinary experience. Hearty protein-packed bites offer a cheesy surprise that satisfies hunger and delights senses with each savory bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
Herbs and Vegetables:
- 1 cup fresh spinach
- 3 cloves garlic
Cheese and Binding Ingredients:
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
Seasonings:
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Cooking Fat:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Blend ground beef with finely chopped spinach, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning in a mixing bowl. Gently combine ingredients without overworking the meat to maintain tenderness.
- Create small meat patties in your palm, placing a mozzarella cheese cube in the center. Carefully encase the cheese fully, rolling into compact spheres. Ensure each meatball is completely sealed to prevent cheese leakage during cooking.
- Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, approximately 350°F. Arrange meatballs in batches, leaving space between each to promote even browning. Rotate periodically, cooking for 4-5 minutes until exterior turns golden and internal temperature reaches 160°F.
- Transfer meatballs to a serving platter. Accompany with marinara sauce for dipping or nestle atop pasta. Enhance presentation by sprinkling additional Parmesan and garnishing with fresh basil leaves for a vibrant touch.
Notes
- Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create lighter, more digestible meatballs.
- Squeeze excess moisture from chopped spinach using a clean kitchen towel to prevent soggy meatballs.
- Chill the meat mixture for 30 minutes before forming balls to help them hold their shape better during cooking.
- For a gluten-free version, replace breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds to maintain texture and binding.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 398 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 415 mg
- Fat: 29 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg