Description
Mouthwatering Spinach Garlic Meatballs stuffed with mozzarella blend Mediterranean flair with comfort food charm. Juicy protein pockets promise rich flavor and melty cheese surprise that will delight dinner companions.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 0.5 lb ground pork
Vegetables and Herbs:
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Binding and Cheese:
- 0.5 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
- 0.5 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 4 oz mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine ground beef and ground pork, ensuring an even blend of meats.
- Finely chop fresh spinach and mince garlic, then incorporate them into the meat mixture for robust flavor infusion.
- Add breadcrumbs, beaten eggs, grated parmesan, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper to the meat, mixing gently but thoroughly to maintain a light texture.
- Divide the meat mixture into equal portions, creating palm-sized balls while being careful not to overwork the meat.
- Create a small indent in the center of each meatball and carefully nestle a mozzarella cheese cube inside, completely sealing the cheese within the meat.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, reaching approximately 375°F.
- Carefully place meatballs into the hot skillet, allowing each side to develop a golden-brown crust, rotating every 3-4 minutes for even cooking.
- Cook meatballs for 12-15 minutes total, ensuring internal temperature reaches 160°F for safe consumption.
- Transfer meatballs to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil and allow slight resting before serving.
- Optional: Garnish with additional fresh parsley and serve with preferred marinara sauce or alongside your favorite pasta.
Notes
- Meat Mixture Mastery: Gently mix ingredients to keep meatballs tender and light, avoiding overworking which can make them tough and dense.
- Cheese Sealing Technique: Completely encase mozzarella inside the meat to prevent cheese leakage during cooking, ensuring a molten surprise in every bite.
- Temperature Control: Use a meat thermometer to guarantee safe internal temperature of 160°F, preventing undercooked meat while maintaining juicy texture.
- Versatile Dietary Adaptations: Swap ground meats with ground turkey or plant-based alternatives for lighter versions, and use gluten-free breadcrumbs to accommodate different dietary needs.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg