Description
Flavorful and nutritious meatballs stuffed with mozzarella, perfect for busy weeknights or special dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef or turkey
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped (or 1/2 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
- 1/2 cup Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, cubed or shredded (for stuffing)
- 2 cups marinara sauce (optional)
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef (or turkey), chopped spinach, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, minced garlic, egg, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix until just combined.
- Take about 2 tablespoons of the meat mixture and flatten it in your palm. Place a cube or spoonful of mozzarella in the center and fold the meat around the cheese, rolling it into a ball.
- Arrange the stuffed meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and have an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- While the meatballs are baking, heat the marinara sauce in a saucepan over medium heat until warmed through.
- Serve the meatballs with marinara sauce on top or on the side, garnished with fresh basil if desired.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Uncooked meatballs can be frozen before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: spinach, meatballs, mozzarella, Italian, dinner, easy recipes