– 1 pound ground beef (or turkey)
– 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mozzarella cheese, cubed
– 1 cup breadcrumbs (seasoned, or panko for extra crunch)
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– ½ teaspoon salt
– ¼ teaspoon black pepper
– 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)
– Fresh basil (optional, for garnishing)
Creating Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed with Mozzarella is simple if you follow these steps:
1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking.
2. Prepare Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, chopped spinach, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well until evenly combined.
3. Form Meatballs: Take a small amount of meat mixture (about 2 tablespoons) and flatten it in your palm. Place a cube of mozzarella in the center and wrap the meat around it to form a ball. Ensure the cheese is fully enclosed.
4. Heat Oil: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
5. Brown Meatballs: Carefully place the meatballs in the skillet, cooking on all sides until golden brown (about 5-7 minutes).
6. Transfer to Oven: Once browned, transfer the meatballs to a baking dish lined with parchment paper or lightly greased.
7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until the meatballs are cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
8. Cool Slightly: After baking, let the meatballs cool for about 5 minutes.
9. Garnish: Optionally, sprinkle with fresh basil before serving.
These steps will lead you to create irresistibly delicious Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed with Mozzarella!