Description
Introducing a delightful culinary creation for all garlic and cheese lovers: Spinach and Mozzarella-Stuffed Meatballs with Garlic. This recipe blends the juicy richness of ground beef with the fresh zing of spinach and a heart of molten mozzarella cheese, all enhanced by the aromatic allure of garlic. Ideal for any meal where comfort and flavor are desired, these meatballs promise to be a hit whether served at a cozy family dinner or a festive gathering.
Ingredients
- Ground Beef: 2 lbs
- Fresh Spinach: 2 cups, finely chopped
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Mozzarella Cheese: 8 oz, cut into small cubes
- Breadcrumbs: 1 cup
- Eggs: 2, beaten
- Milk: 1/4 cup
- Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup, grated
- Salt and Pepper: To taste
Step-by-step Directions
1. Prepare the Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) if you choose to bake the meatballs. Finely chop the spinach and mince the garlic to set aside.
2. Sauté Spinach and Garlic
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Incorporate the spinach and cook until wilted and its moisture has evaporated, approximately 3-4 minutes. Season this mixture with salt and pepper, then set aside on a plate to cool.
3. Mix the Meatball Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, cooled spinach-garlic mixture, breadcrumbs, beaten eggs, milk, Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir gently to blend the ingredients without overworking the meat.
4. Stuff with Mozzarella
Shape the meat mixture into balls, roughly the size of a golf ball. Press a cube of mozzarella into the center of each ball, ensuring the cheese is completely enclosed by the meat.
5. Cook the Meatballs
You can either bake or pan-fry the meatballs:
Baking
Arrange the meatballs on a greased baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they are browned and cooked through.
Pan-Frying
Heat a thin layer of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the meatballs on all sides until golden brown, then reduce the heat, cover, and cook for about 10 minutes, or until completely cooked.
Servings & Preparation Time
The recipe yields approximately 24 meatballs, depending on their size. Preparation time is around 15 minutes, with a cooking time of 25 minutes if baking or 15 minutes if pan-frying.
Tips for Storage & Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- Freezing: Freeze the cooked meatballs on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag where they can be stored for up to one month.
- Reheating: Reheat in a microwave or in the oven at 350°F until thoroughly warmed through, about 10-15 minutes.
Conclusion
The Spinach and Mozzarella-Stuffed Meatballs with Garlic recipe is perfect for anyone looking to combine hearty ingredients with dynamic textures and flavors. With its gooey mozzarella core, savory meat exterior, and hints of garlic and spinach, this dish stands out in both taste and presentation. Enjoy cooking and indulging in this delightful culinary experience!
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Spinach and Mozzarella-Stuffed Meatballs with Garlic
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 meatballs
Description
Introducing a delightful culinary creation for all garlic and cheese lovers: Spinach and Mozzarella-Stuffed Meatballs with Garlic. This recipe blends the juicy richness of ground beef with the fresh zing of spinach and a heart of molten mozzarella cheese, all enhanced by the aromatic allure of garlic. Ideal for any meal where comfort and flavor are desired, these meatballs promise to be a hit whether served at a cozy family dinner or a festive gathering.
Ingredients
- Ground Beef: 2 lbs
- Fresh Spinach: 2 cups, finely chopped
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Mozzarella Cheese: 8 oz, cut into small cubes
- Breadcrumbs: 1 cup
- Eggs: 2, beaten
- Milk: 1/4 cup
- Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup, grated
- Salt and Pepper: To taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients
- Sauté Spinach and Garlic
- Mix the Meatball Mixture
- Stuff with Mozzarella
- Cook the Meatballs
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: Calories per serving not specified