Description
Tender baked meatballs made with seasoned ground beef, fresh spinach, and garlic, each stuffed with a gooey mozzarella center. These flavorful meatballs are perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or special gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese or 4 oz mozzarella cut into small cubes
- 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease with olive oil.
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, spinach, garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and parsley. Mix gently until just combined.
- Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the mixture and flatten slightly. Place mozzarella in the center.
- Wrap meat mixture around cheese, sealing completely, and roll into a smooth ball. Repeat with remaining mixture.
- Arrange meatballs on prepared baking sheet and lightly brush or drizzle with olive oil.
- Bake for 18–22 minutes until fully cooked and internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Seal mozzarella completely to prevent leakage.
- Avoid overmixing to keep meatballs tender.
- Store refrigerated up to 4 days or freeze up to 3 months.
- Reheat in oven at 350°F for best texture.
- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 meatballs
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
