Spinach Garlic Meatballs Mozzarella (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Meatballs

01 - 450g ground beef or a mix of beef and pork
02 - 1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped or ½ cup frozen, thawed and drained
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - ½ cup breadcrumbs or almond flour for low-carb
05 - ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
06 - 1 egg
07 - 1 tsp salt
08 - ½ tsp black pepper
09 - 1 tsp Italian seasoning or a mix of oregano, basil, and thyme
10 - ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
11 - 1 tbsp olive oil for cooking

→ Stuffing

12 - 110g mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes

→ Sauce (Optional)

13 - 2 tbsp butter
14 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
15 - ½ cup chicken or beef broth
16 - ½ tsp red pepper flakes
17 - 1 tbsp chopped parsley
18 - 1 tbsp lemon juice or white wine (optional)

# Instructions:

01 - In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, spinach, garlic, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Mix thoroughly until well combined but avoid overmixing to prevent tough meatballs.
02 - Take about 2 tbsp of the meat mixture and flatten it in your palm. Place a cube of mozzarella in the center and wrap the meat around it to form a ball. Repeat with the remaining mixture and cheese.
03 - Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, searing them on all sides until browned, about 4-5 minutes. Lower the heat, cover, and cook for another 5 minutes until fully cooked. Alternatively, bake at 190°C for 18-20 minutes.
04 - In the same pan, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant. Add broth, red pepper flakes, and parsley. Simmer for 2-3 minutes. Finish with lemon juice or white wine for extra flavor.
05 - Drizzle the garlic butter sauce over the meatballs and serve hot with pasta, rice, garlic bread, or enjoy on their own.

# Notes:

01 - Avoid overmixing the meat mixture to ensure tender meatballs.