Ingredients
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to culinary success. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound ground beef (or substitute with ground turkey for a lighter option)
- 1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko works well for a lighter texture)
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 ounces mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
Now, let’s dive into the process of bringing these meatballs to life.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped spinach, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, Parmesan cheese, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined but avoid overworking the meat.
- Take a small portion of the meat mixture and flatten it in the palm of your hand. Place a cube of mozzarella in the center and gently wrap the meat around it, forming a ball. Repeat until all the meat mixture is used.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs and sear them on all sides until they develop a golden-brown crust, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Transfer the meatballs to the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until fully cooked through and the cheese is melted.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International