Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Spinach And Mozzarella-Stuffed Meatballs With Garlic Recipe

Spinach And Mozzarella-Stuffed Meatballs With Garlic Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 21 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Savory spinach and mozzarella-stuffed meatballs bring Italian comfort to your dinner table. Juicy beef embraces melted cheese and fresh spinach, creating a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

main ingredients:

  • 2 pounds (907 grams) ground beef
  • 8 ounces (226 grams) mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, finely chopped

binding and seasoning ingredients:

  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • ¼ cup milk
  • ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) if baking. Meticulously chop the spinach and finely mince the garlic, preparing them for the culinary process.
  2. Warm of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the minced garlic until aromatic, approximately 1 minute. Add spinach and cook until completely wilted and moisture dissipates, roughly 3-4 minutes. Enhance with salt and pepper, then transfer to a plate for cooling.
  3. In a spacious mixing bowl, amalgamate ground beef, cooled spinach-garlic mixture, breadcrumbs, beaten eggs, milk, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Gently fold ingredients to maintain meat’s tenderness, avoiding excessive manipulation.
  4. Craft uniform meatballs approximately the size of golf balls. Create a small cavity in each meatball’s center, strategically inserting a mozzarella cheese cube. Carefully seal the cheese completely within the meat mixture.
  5. Choose cooking method:

Oven Method: Position meatballs on a greased baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes until exterior turns golden brown and interior reaches proper doneness.

Stovetop Method: Heat a thin oil layer in a skillet over medium-high temperature. Sear meatballs, rotating to achieve uniform browning. Reduce heat, cover, and continue cooking for 10 minutes until thoroughly cooked.

Notes

  • Mozzarella Surprise: Melted cheese hidden inside each meatball creates an irresistible gooey center that bursts with flavor when you bite into it.
  • Versatile Cooking Methods: Choose between baking or pan-frying depending on your kitchen setup, time, and preference for crispy or tender texture.
  • Spinach Power Boost: Adding fresh spinach packs these meatballs with extra nutrients, vibrant color, and a subtle earthy taste that complements the beef.
  • Gentle Mixing Matters: Handle the meat mixture delicately to keep the meatballs tender and prevent them from becoming tough or dense.
  • Perfect Portion Control: Golf ball-sized meatballs ensure even cooking and make for an ideal serving size that’s not too big or small.
  • Cheese Sealing Technique: Completely enclosing the mozzarella prevents cheese from leaking out during cooking, maintaining a juicy and flavorful result.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Baking/Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 520 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 650 mg
  • Fat: 36 g
  • Saturated Fat: 16 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 1.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 42 g
  • Cholesterol: 210 mg