These meatballs take comfort food to a whole new level of indulgence—each savory bite reveals a molten mozzarella surprise hidden inside a perfectly seasoned blend of beef, spinach, and garlic.
Author:Emily Cookson
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:25 minutes
Total Time:40 minutes
Yield:4 servings
Category:Main Dish
Method:Baking
Cuisine:Italian
Diet:Meat-based
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil.
Combine the ground beef, chopped spinach, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, egg, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Mix gently with your hands until just combined.
Cut the mozzarella into 12-15 small cubes (about ½-inch each) and set aside.
Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the meat mixture into your palm and flatten it slightly. Place a cube of mozzarella in the center, then fold the meat around it, sealing well and rolling between your palms to form a ball.
Arrange the stuffed meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about an inch of space between each one.
Bake for 20-25 minutes until the meatballs are golden brown and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Let the meatballs rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Chill the cheese first: Keep your mozzarella cubes in the freezer for 15 minutes before stuffing.
Don’t overwork the mixture: Gently fold ingredients just until combined for a tender texture.
Use wet hands for shaping: Slightly dampened palms prevent the meat mixture from sticking.
Check for leaks: Inspect each meatball carefully for any exposed cheese or cracks.
Create uniform sizes: Using a cookie scoop ensures all your meatballs cook at the same rate.
Broil for extra browning: For a beautiful golden crust, switch your oven to broil for the final 1-2 minutes of cooking.