Ingredients
Scale
- For the meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 12 small mozzarella balls (or 1 cup mozzarella, cubed)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for frying)
- For the sauce (optional):
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the meatballs:
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped spinach, minced garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Divide the mixture into 12 portions. Flatten each portion slightly and place a small mozzarella ball (or cube) in the center. Shape the meat around the mozzarella, forming it into a ball, ensuring the cheese is fully sealed inside.
- Cook the meatballs:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook, turning occasionally, for about 8-10 minutes, until browned on all sides and cooked through.
- If you prefer, you can also bake the meatballs at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes on a lined baking sheet.
- Prepare the sauce (optional):
- Heat the marinara sauce in a saucepan over low heat. Simmer for 5 minutes until warmed through.
- Add the cooked meatballs to the sauce and let them simmer for a few more minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Serve:
- Serve the meatballs hot, garnished with fresh basil, over pasta, rice, or as a stand-alone dish with a side of marinara sauce.
Notes
- Make sure the meatballs are sealed well to prevent the mozzarella from leaking during cooking.
- You can substitute turkey or chicken for a lighter version of the meatballs.
- For an extra burst of flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat mixture.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 25 min
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: italian, American