Description
Delicious meatballs stuffed with spinach and cheese, perfect for a family dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef or turkey
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp milk
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup marinara sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the Spinach Filling:
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add chopped spinach and sauté until wilted. Drain excess moisture and set aside.
- Mix the Meatball Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef or turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, chopped onion, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and milk.
- Mix until fully incorporated.
- Stuff the Meatballs:
- Take a portion of the meat mixture and flatten it in your hand.
- Add a small amount of sautéed spinach and a pinch of mozzarella cheese in the center.
- Enclose the filling completely with the meat mixture, forming a ball. Repeat for the rest.
- Cook the Meatballs:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large oven-safe skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the meatballs and sear on all sides until browned.
- Pour marinara sauce over the meatballs and sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
- Bake the Meatballs:
- Transfer skillet to the preheated oven.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through and cheese is bubbly.
Notes
- Ensure the spinach mixture is well-drained to prevent soggy meatballs.
- Use a meat thermometer to check that meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- You can substitute mozzarella with other cheeses like provolone or gouda for a different flavor.
- Serve with spaghetti or crusty bread for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 meatballs
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 90mg