Introduction
If you’re craving a hearty and flavorful dish, this recipe for spinach and mozzarella stuffed meatballs in marinara sauce will surely satisfy.
It’s a comforting and wholesome meal that combines the richness of ground beef with the freshness of sautéed spinach and the gooey goodness of mozzarella cheese.
A dish that’s both nutritious and indulgent, perfect for family dinners or when you want to impress your guests.
Ingredients
-500g ground beef
-1 cup spinach, chopped and sautéed
-1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
-1/2 cup breadcrumbs
-1 egg
-2 cloves garlic, minced
-1/2 tsp paprika
-1 tsp salt
-1/2 tsp black pepper
-2 cups marinara sauce
-1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated.
Fresh basil, for garnish
Instructions
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the meatballs. Then, prepare the spinach by heating a pan over medium heat.
adding a little olive oil, and sautéing the chopped spinach until it wilts. Set it aside to cool before using it in the meatball mixture.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, sautéed spinach, mozzarella cheese, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything thoroughly until well combined. The mixture should be sticky but firm enough to form into meatballs.
Once your mixture is ready, take small portions and roll them into uniform meatballs, roughly the size of a golf ball.
Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a lightly greased baking dish.
Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
While the meatballs bake, warm the marinara sauce in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent it from burning.
Once the meatballs are cooked, remove them from the oven and gently transfer them into.
the marinara sauce. Let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for about 5 minutes to absorb some of the flavor.
When serving, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the meatballs and garnish with fresh basil for a burst of color and added flavor.
How to Make
Start by preparing the spinach. Heat a pan over medium heat, and add a drizzle of olive oil. Once the pan is hot, add the chopped spinach.
Sauté the spinach for about 2-3 minutes, until it wilts and shrinks in size. Remove the spinach from the pan and let it cool before adding it to the meatball mixture.
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef with the cooled spinach, shredded mozzarella, breadcrumbs.
egg, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until the ingredients are evenly distributed.
This mixture should be firm enough to form into meatballs, but not too dry.
Take small portions of the meatball mixture and roll them between your hands to form smooth, round meatballs.
Place them on a baking sheet, making sure there is a little space between each one to ensure they bake evenly.
Once the meatballs are ready, pop them into the oven to bake for 20-25 minutes at 375°F (190°C), or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
While the meatballs bake, heat the marinara sauce in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally.
After the meatballs are cooked, carefully add them to the simmering marinara sauce. Let them simmer in the sauce for a few minutes to ensure they soak up the rich flavors of the sauce.
To finish, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the meatballs and garnish with basil for a burst of freshness. Serve with pasta, rice, or bread for a complete meal.
Tips
When forming the meatballs, ensure that the mixture is not too wet or too dry. If the mixture feels too wet.
you can add a little more breadcrumbs. If it’s too dry, add a splash of milk or water to help bind it together.
If you’re looking for a leaner alternative, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef. This will create a lighter version of the dish, though it may have a different flavor profile.
For extra flavor, consider adding some Italian seasoning or dried oregano to the meatball mixture.
This will enhance the overall taste and make the dish even more aromatic.
If you’re short on time, you can prepare the meatballs ahead of time and freeze them. Once they’re baked.
simply place them in an airtight container and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to serve, thaw and reheat them in marinara sauce for a quick meal.
To ensure your meatballs stay tender, avoid overworking the mixture when mixing or forming them.
Overworking can lead to dense, tough meatballs. Gently mix and form them for the best texture.
For an extra crispy exterior, you can pan-fry the meatballs in a little olive oil before baking them. This will give them a golden, crispy crust while keeping the inside juicy.
If you love a cheesy dish, try adding extra mozzarella or even some ricotta cheese to the meatball mixture for an even cheesier bite.
Conclusion
This recipe for spinach and mozzarella stuffed meatballs in marinara sauce is perfect for any occasion.
The combination of savory beef, fresh spinach, and gooey mozzarella makes for a truly satisfying dish that will delight your taste buds.
With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, this meal can be prepared in no time.
Serve these meatballs with your favorite sides and enjoy a wholesome, comforting meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table.