Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed with Mozzarella

Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed with Mozzarella

Ingredients:

• For the Meatballs:
  • 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
  • 1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
• For the Stuffing:
  • 8 oz mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes
• For the Sauce:
  • 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture:
   1. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped spinach, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, egg, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper.
   2. Mix until all ingredients are well combined. You can use your hands for better mixing.
2. Form the Meatballs:
   1. Take a small portion of the meat mixture and flatten it into a disk in your palm.
   2. Place a cube of mozzarella cheese in the center of the disk.
   3. Wrap the meat mixture around the cheese, sealing it completely and forming it into a ball.
   4. Repeat this process until all the meat mixture is used. You should get around 12-15 meatballs, depending on size.
3. Cook the Meatballs:
   1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   2. Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of olive oil.
   3. Once the oil is hot, add the meatballs and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
   4. Pour the marinara sauce over the meatballs.
4. Bake the Meatballs:
   1. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven.
   2. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the cheese inside is melted.
5. Serve:
   1. Remove the skillet from the oven and let the meatballs rest for a few minutes.
   2. Serve the meatballs hot, with extra marinara sauce from the skillet spooned over the top.

Tips:

• For extra flavor, you can add red pepper flakes to the meat mixture for a bit of heat.
• Serve these meatballs with spaghetti or a side salad for a complete meal.
• You can also prepare the meatballs ahead of time and freeze them before cooking. Just thaw and cook as directed when ready to serve.

Enjoy your delicious Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed with Mozzarella!