Description
Tender and flavorful meatballs made with ground beef, fresh spinach, garlic, and herbs, each with a melty mozzarella center. Perfect for pasta, sandwiches, or dipping into marinara sauce.
Ingredients
450g ground beef
1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
60ml breadcrumbs
25g Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
1 large egg
½ teaspoon fine salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning blend
1 cup mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes
2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- In a large bowl, gently combine ground beef, spinach, garlic, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix lightly to avoid tough meatballs.
- Take 1–2 tablespoons of the mixture, flatten it in your palm, and place a cube of mozzarella in the center. Seal the meat around the cheese completely and roll into a ball. Repeat with remaining mixture.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook meatballs in batches for 4–5 minutes per side until browned and fully cooked.
- Serve hot with marinara, over pasta, or in sandwiches. Garnish with Parmesan and fresh basil if desired.
Notes
To make ahead, form the meatballs and refrigerate up to 1 day before cooking.
Use turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version.
Whole wheat breadcrumbs add extra fiber.
Freeze uncooked meatballs for later; cook from frozen, adding extra time.
Bake at 200°C (400°F) for 18–20 minutes for a lighter alternative to pan-frying.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe (approx. 4–5 meatballs)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
