Ingredients
1 lb (450g) ground beef or a mix of beef & pork
1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped (or thawed & squeezed frozen spinach)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt & pepper to taste
6–8 small mozzarella balls (bocconcini) or mozzarella cubes
Olive oil for cooking
Optional: marinara sauce for serving
🔥 Instructions
1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture:
In a large bowl, combine ground meat, chopped spinach, garlic, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Mix gently but thoroughly until combined.
2. Form & Stuff Meatballs:
Take a golf ball-sized portion of the mixture.
Flatten it slightly in your palm.
Place a mozzarella ball or cube in the center.
Fold the meat around the cheese and roll into a smooth ball.
Repeat until all meat mixture and cheese are used.
3. Cook the Meatballs:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add meatballs and cook, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked through (~12–15 minutes).
Optional: Add marinara sauce and simmer meatballs for 5 minutes for extra flavor and gooey sauce.
4. Serve:
Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Great on their own, with pasta, or as sliders.
💡 Tips:
For extra moist meatballs, add 1/4 cup milk to the mixture.
Bake meatballs at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes as a hands-off option.
Substitute mozzarella with provolone or fontina for a different cheese pull.
Want a spicy twist or an Italian herb blend variation?