Description
Juicy meatballs packed with creamy mozzarella and tender spinach create an irresistible Italian-inspired dish. Hearty and satisfying, these meatballs promise a delightful flavor journey that will make you crave more with each savory bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef or a mix of beef and pork
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Binding and Seasoning:
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil for cooking
Instructions
- In a spacious mixing vessel, thoroughly blend ground protein, finely chopped verdant leafy greens, aromatic garlic, crisp breadcrumbs, aged Parmesan, beaten egg, seasoning elements, and herb blend until ingredients just integrate without overmixing.
- Portion the meat mixture into segments, gently flattening each portion across your palm to create a delicate disc shape.
- Position a compact cube of fresh mozzarella precisely in the center of each meat disc, carefully enveloping the cheese with surrounding meat mixture, ensuring complete sealing without exposed cheese.
- Gently rotate each protein parcel between palms, crafting uniform spherical shapes with smooth exterior surfaces.
- Warm extra virgin olive oil across a substantial cast-iron or heavy-bottomed skillet, maintaining medium heat around 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
- Strategically place prepared meatballs into heated oil, maintaining sufficient spacing to prevent overcrowding and promote even caramelization.
- Rotate morsels every 3-4 minutes, allowing each side to develop a rich golden-brown exterior and ensuring internal temperature reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit (71 degrees Celsius) for complete protein cooking.
- Transfer cooked meatballs onto paper towel-lined surface to absorb excess oil before serving.
Notes
- Elevate your meatball game with this cheesy spinach-stuffed version that transforms an ordinary dish into a gourmet experience.
- Ensure the mozzarella is completely sealed inside the meat mixture to prevent cheese leakage during cooking.
- Achieve perfect browning by cooking meatballs in batches, giving each one enough space to develop a delicious golden crust.
- Use fresh garlic and high-quality Parmesan for maximum flavor depth in your meat mixture.
- Keep the meat mixture slightly chilled before forming meatballs to help them hold their shape better during cooking.
- Test doneness by checking the internal temperature reaches 160°F, guaranteeing safe and juicy meatballs every time.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 358 kcal
- Sugar: 0.5 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 135 mg