Description
Italian-inspired meatballs packed with spinach and mozzarella create a delightful twist on classic comfort cuisine. Succulent ground beef mingles with fresh herbs, promising a satisfying meal that brings Mediterranean flavors directly to your plate.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (454 g) ground beef or beef and pork mix
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, cubed
- 1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 tbsps olive oil for cooking
Instructions
- Preparation: Combine ground protein, spinach, garlic, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, salt, pepper, and Italian herbs in a large mixing bowl. Gently mix ingredients until just incorporated, avoiding excessive manipulation of the meat mixture.
- Molding: Divide the seasoned mixture into equal portions. Flatten each portion into a thin disc, creating a delicate base for cheese encapsulation.
- Cheese Filling: Place a mozzarella cube at the center of each meat disc. Carefully fold and seal the meat around the cheese, ensuring complete coverage with no cheese exposure.
- Shaping: Roll each meat parcel between palms to create uniform, smooth spherical meatballs that maintain the cheese core.
- Cooking: Heat olive oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium heat (350°F/175°C). Arrange meatballs in the pan, leaving space between each to promote even browning and prevent steaming.
- Searing: Cook meatballs for 3-4 minutes per side, rotating to achieve a rich golden-brown crust. Verify internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) to ensure thorough cooking.
- Finishing: Remove meatballs and drain on paper towels to absorb excess oil, preserving their crisp exterior and juicy interior.
Notes
- Prevent Overworking Meat: Mix ingredients gently to keep meatballs tender and prevent tough texture.
- Cheese Sealing Technique: Completely wrap mozzarella inside meat to prevent cheese leakage during cooking.
- Temperature Control: Maintain medium heat around 350°F for perfect golden-brown exterior without burning.
- Moisture Retention Tip: Rest meatballs on paper towels briefly to drain excess oil and preserve juiciness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg