Ingredients:
1 lb ground beef (or ½ beef + ½ pork)
2 cups fresh spinach, finely chopped (or 1 cup cooked & drained)
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (Italian-style preferred)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
1 tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning
8 oz mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes (about ¾ inch)
2 tbsp olive oil (for browning)
Optional for serving:
Marinara sauce
Fresh basil or parsley, chopped
Instructions:
1. Prep the Spinach
If using fresh spinach, sauté it quickly in a pan until wilted (1–2 min), then squeeze out excess moisture and chop finely.
Let it cool before mixing into the meat.
2. Mix the Meatball Mixture
In a large bowl, combine:
Ground beef (and pork if using)
Chopped spinach
Garlic
Breadcrumbs
Parmesan cheese
Egg
Salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, oregano
Mix just until everything is combined. Don’t overmix or the meatballs may turn out tough.
3. Stuff with Mozzarella
Take about 2 tbsp of the meat mixture and flatten it in your palm.
Place a cube of mozzarella in the center and wrap the meat around it, sealing tightly.
Roll into a ball. Repeat with the rest of the mixture.
4. Brown the Meatballs
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Brown meatballs on all sides (about 5–7 minutes total).
Don’t overcrowd the pan – do it in batches if needed.
5. Finish Cooking
Option A – Oven:
Transfer browned meatballs to a baking dish.
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10–15 minutes, or until fully cooked through.
Option B – Sauce Simmer:
Add browned meatballs to a pot of simmering marinara sauce.
Cover and simmer for 15–20 minutes until fully cooked and infused with flavor.
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