Description
Succulent spinach garlic meatballs conceal melted mozzarella inside their juicy core, offering Mediterranean charm with each delightful bite. Rich herbs and carefully blended ingredients create an irresistible blend that promises comfort and flavor in one perfect Italian-inspired dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound ground pork
- 3 eggs (use 4 if they are small)
- 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
Cheese and Bread Components:
- 2.25 cups bread crumbs
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes
Additional Ingredients:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) baby spinach, fresh
- 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1–2 tablespoons olive oil
- Splash of milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 jar Rao’s marinara sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Wilt fresh spinach in a skillet with olive oil over medium heat, then infuse with minced garlic for 1-2 minutes. Finely chop the spinach and allow it to cool completely.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, eggs, whole milk, minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, kosher salt, black pepper, and cooled chopped spinach. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Create medium-sized meatballs, using approximately of meat mixture for each. Press a small cube of mozzarella cheese into the center of each meatball, ensuring the cheese is completely enclosed.
- Heat vegetable oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully brown the meatballs on all sides until they develop a golden-crisp exterior, approximately 3-4 minutes per side.
- Pour marinara sauce around the meatballs in the skillet, ensuring they are partially submerged. Cover the skillet tightly with aluminum foil.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the meatballs reaches 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
- Remove from the oven and let the meatballs rest for 3-5 minutes. Serve hot over your preferred pasta, drizzling additional marinara sauce on top if desired.
Notes
- Cheese lovers will find pure joy in these mozzarella-stuffed meatballs bursting with hidden spinach goodness.
- Mixing ground beef and pork creates a richer, more complex flavor profile that elevates traditional meatball recipes.
- Sautéing spinach and garlic beforehand ensures deep, concentrated flavor and prevents excess moisture in the meat mixture.
- Quick pan-frying before baking helps develop a beautiful golden-brown crust that seals in moisture and adds incredible texture.
- Pro tip: Use room temperature ingredients for better binding and more consistent meat mixture performance.
- Leftover meatballs can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for maximum convenience and future meal prep.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 720 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fat: 42g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 24g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 44g
- Cholesterol: 240mg