Ingredients (Makes 16–18 meatballs)
1 lb (450 g) ground beef or ground turkey
1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup breadcrumbs
¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1 egg, beaten
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp Italian seasoning
½ cup mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes
1–2 Tbsp olive oil for cooking
Instructions
1. Preheat oven
Preheat to 400°F (200°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the meatball mixture
In a large bowl, combine ground meat, chopped spinach, garlic, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Mix gently until well combined — don’t overmix or meatballs will be tough.
3. Stuff the meatballs
Take a small handful of the meat mixture and flatten into a patty in your palm.
Place a mozzarella cube in the center.
Fold the meat around the cheese and roll into a smooth ball. Repeat with remaining mixture.
4. Cook the meatballs
Oven method:
Place meatballs on the prepared baking sheet.
Drizzle or brush with a little olive oil.
Bake for 18–22 minutes, until meatballs are cooked through and golden.
Optional skillet method:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Brown meatballs on all sides for 5–6 minutes.
Reduce heat, cover, and cook another 10 minutes until cooked through.
5. Serve
Serve hot with marinara sauce for dipping, over pasta, or on a sandwich.
Sprinkle with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley if desired.
