Spinach Garlic Stuffed Meatballs
Ingredients
For the meatballs:
- 500g ground beef (or a mix of beef & lamb/chicken)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp milk
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika (optional)
For the spinach filling:
- 1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp cream cheese or grated mozzarella
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Pinch of salt & pepper
Optional sauce:
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 1 tsp oregano or Italian seasoning
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Make the filling
Heat olive oil in a pan, sauté garlic until fragrant. Add spinach and cook until wilted. Remove from heat, mix in cream cheese or mozzarella. Let it cool.
2. Prepare the meat mixture
In a bowl, combine ground meat, onion, garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, milk, parsley, and spices. Mix gently (don’t overwork it).
3. Stuff the meatballs
Take a small portion of meat, flatten it in your palm, add a spoon of spinach filling in the center, then wrap and roll into a ball. Repeat.
4. Cook the meatballs
You can:
- Pan-fry: Cook in a little oil until browned on all sides
- Bake: 200°C for 18–20 minutes
- Simmer in sauce: Brown first, then cook in tomato sauce for 15 minutes
5. Serve
Serve hot with pasta, rice, or crusty bread.
🔥 Tips
Add chili flakes if you want a spicy kick
Keep your hands slightly wet while shaping to prevent sticking
Don’t overstuff or the meatballs may break
