Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed With Mozzarella
Ingredients
Spinach Mixture:
– 8 ounces fresh baby spinach
– 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
– 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
Meatballs:
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 pound ground pork
– 2 ¼ cups bread crumbs
– 3-4 eggs (depending on size)
– Splash of milk
– 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
– ½ cup Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes
– 1 jar Rao’s marinara sauce
Instructions:
Preparing the Spinach:
1. Heat 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add 8 ounces of fresh baby spinach and toss until the spinach is coated in oil and begins to wilt.
3. Add 3 finely chopped garlic cloves to the skillet and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant.
4. Remove the spinach from the skillet, chop it into small pieces, and set aside to cool.
Making the Meatballs:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 pound of ground beef, 1 pound of ground pork, 2 ¼ cups of bread crumbs, 3-4 eggs, a splash of milk, 4 finely chopped garlic cloves, ½ cup of Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper to taste.
3. Add the cooled spinach and garlic mixture to the meat mixture and mix until well combined.
4. Roll the meat mixture into evenly sized meatballs.
5. Insert a small cube of mozzarella cheese into the center of each meatball, ensuring the cheese is completely encased by the meat.
6. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Pan-fry the meatballs until they are golden brown on all sides, forming a flavorful crust.
7. Add dollops of Rao’s marinara sauce to the bottom of the skillet, creating a bed of sauce for the meatballs to simmer in.
8. Cover the skillet with foil and transfer it to the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Serving:
1. Serve the Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed With Mozzarella over your preferred pasta.
2. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs, if desired.
These Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed With Mozzarella are perfect for a flavorful and hearty meal. Enjoy the melty mozzarella center and the savory blend of beef, pork, and spinach in every bite!
