Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped
- 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (use panko or almond flour for low-carb)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning or dried oregano
- 4 oz (about 1 cup) mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes
- 1–2 tbsp olive oil (for pan-frying, optional)
- Marinara sauce (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- In a skillet over medium heat, add a drizzle of olive oil and sauté the chopped spinach until wilted (about 2–3 minutes). Let it cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, sautéed spinach, minced garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan (if using), salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix until well combined.
- Take a tablespoon-sized scoop of the meat mixture and flatten it slightly in your hand. Place a cube of mozzarella in the center, then wrap the meat around it and roll into a ball. Repeat with the rest of the mixture.
- To pan-fry: Heat 1–2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the meatballs, turning occasionally, for 8–10 minutes until browned and cooked through.
- To bake: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place meatballs on a lined baking sheet and bake for 18–20 minutes, or until cooked through and golden.
- Serve warm on their own, with pasta, or drizzled with marinara sauce.
Notes
Don’t overmix the meat to keep it tender. Chill the meatballs before cooking for better shape. Customize with different cheeses, spices, or greens. Great for meal prep or freezing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baked or Pan-Fried
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 meatballs
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: meatballs, mozzarella, spinach, garlic, low-carb, cheese-stuffed