Taste a delightful blend of flavors with these spinach-garlic meatballs stuffed with mozzarella. Every bite promises a burst of deliciousness, as tender, spinach-filled meatballs blend with the creamy richness of melted mozzarella at their heart. Enhanced with the essence of aromatic garlic, these meatballs deliver a perfectly balanced dish. As satisfying and comforting as they are delicious, when perfectly combined with your favorite pasta or enjoyed on their own, these meatballs are sure to elevate any meal with their delicious blend of textures and tastes.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces fresh baby spinach
- 3 finely chopped garlic cloves
- 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound minced pork
- 2 ¼ cup bread crumbs
- 3 eggs (or 4 if small)
- A spoonful of milk
- 4 finely chopped garlic cloves
- Half a cup of Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Mozzarella cheese cut into small cubes
- 1 can Rao's marinara sauce
Instructions
Preparing the Spinach
- Heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add baby spinach and toss to coat. Let it wilt for a few minutes.
- Add the finely chopped garlic to the pan and fry for another minute or two until fragrant.
- Remove the spinach from the pan, cut it into small pieces, and leave it aside to cool.
Making the Meatballs
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and the spinach/garlic mixture.
- Form the mixture into meatballs, making a small indentation in each and placing a cube of mozzarella cheese in the middle. Shape it into a ball, completely enclosing the cheese inside.
- Place the meatballs on a lined baking tray and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Tips for Perfect Meatballs
- Choice of ingredients: Choose fresh spinach for vibrant flavor and tender texture. Use high-quality ground meat (beef, pork, or a combination) for the meatballs and choose fresh mozzarella to ensure a gooey, melty center.
- Prepare the spinach: Make sure to wash the spinach well and dry it before chopping it finely. Stir it with garlic in olive oil until it wilts and becomes fragrant. This step improves the flavor of the meatballs.
- Seasoning: Season the ground meat mixture with a generous amount of salt, pepper, and any additional herbs or spices you prefer. Consider adding Italian seasoning, paprika, or red pepper flakes for added depth.
- Forming the meatballs: When forming the meatballs, make sure they are uniform in size to ensure they cook evenly. Make a small indentation in each meatball and place a cube of mozzarella cheese in the middle before shaping it into a ball, completely enclosing the cheese inside.
- Cooking method: You can bake the meatballs, fry them, or even grill them. If baking, preheat the oven and place on a lined baking tray. If frying, use a non-stick frying pan and cook over medium heat until browned on all sides and cooked through.
- Monitor the temperature: Use a meat thermometer to make sure the internal temperature of the meatballs reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are fully cooked.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve the spinach and garlic meatballs stuffed with hot mozzarella, either as a main course with pasta and marinara sauce or as an appetizer with a dipping sauce on the side. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a finishing touch.
- Storage and reheating: Leftover meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Gently reheat in the microwave or oven to preserve their texture and flavors.
Conclusion
By following these tips, you'll be able to prepare delicious spinach, garlic, and mozzarella-stuffed meatballs that are bursting with flavor and a delicious cheese surprise in every bite. Whether enjoyed on their own or paired with your favorite pasta, these meatballs are sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.
