Spinach and Garlic Stuffed Meatballs with Mozzarella Recipe
Introduction
These Spinach Garlic Meatballs combine tender ground meat with fresh spinach and melted mozzarella for a flavorful twist on a classic favorite. Perfect as a hearty appetizer or a main dish, they are easy to prepare and packed with savory goodness.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground Beef or Turkey (can substitute with lean turkey)
- 2 cups Fresh Spinach (sautéed to enhance flavor)
- 4 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 small Onion (optional, finely chopped)
- 1 large Egg
- 1 cup Breadcrumbs (can use oats or almond flour)
- 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
- 8 oz Low-Moisture Mozzarella Cubes (use chilled to avoid leaks)
- 1 tbsp Italian Seasoning
- to taste Salt
- to taste Pepper
- 1/2 tsp Red Pepper Flakes (for heat)
- 1 tbsp Chopped Parsley (for freshness)
Instructions
- Step 1: Sauté the spinach and minced garlic in a skillet over medium heat until wilted, about 3-4 minutes. Allow to cool, then finely chop.
- Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine ground meat, egg, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and the chopped spinach. Stir gently until just mixed.
- Step 3: Form meatballs by encasing chilled mozzarella cubes with the meat mixture, making sure each ball is completely sealed around the cheese.
- Step 4: Cook the meatballs by either baking at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, or pan-searing in oil over medium-high heat for 6-8 minutes per side.
- Step 5: Optionally, simmer the cooked meatballs in warm marinara sauce for 5-10 minutes for added flavor before serving.
- Step 6: Let the meatballs rest for 5 minutes after cooking to retain their juiciness.
Tips & Variations
- Use lean ground turkey for a lighter version without sacrificing taste.
- Substitute breadcrumbs with oats or almond flour for a gluten-free option.
- Adding finely chopped onion enhances the flavor, but it’s optional.
- For extra heat, increase red pepper flakes or serve with a spicy marinara sauce.
Storage
Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. You can also freeze cooked meatballs for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese inside the meatballs?
Yes, you can substitute mozzarella with provolone or Monterey Jack, but mozzarella works best for its meltability and mild flavor.
Should I cook the spinach before adding it to the meat mixture?
Cooking the spinach first removes excess moisture and intensifies its flavor, helping the meatballs maintain the right texture and taste.
PrintSpinach and Garlic Stuffed Meatballs with Mozzarella Recipe
These Spinach Garlic Meatballs combine ground beef or turkey with fresh sautéed spinach, garlic, and gooey mozzarella cubes for a flavorful, juicy twist on classic meatballs. They’re seasoned with Italian herbs and Parmesan, offering a delicious balance of savory and fresh flavors. Perfect for baking or pan-searing, these meatballs make a comforting main dish that can be served on their own or simmered in marinara sauce for extra richness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: About 16 meatballs 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Meatball Mixture
- 1 lb Ground Beef or Turkey (lean turkey can be used as a substitute)
- 2 cups Fresh Spinach (sautéed)
- 4 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 small Onion (optional, finely chopped)
- 1 large Egg
- 1 cup Breadcrumbs (or substitute with oats or almond flour)
- 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
- 1 tbsp Italian Seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 1/2 tsp Red Pepper Flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 tbsp Chopped Parsley (for freshness)
Filling
- 8 oz Low-Moisture Mozzarella Cubes (chilled to prevent leaking)
Instructions
- Sauté Spinach and Garlic: In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the fresh spinach and minced garlic together until the spinach is wilted and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly. Once cooled, finely chop the mixture to evenly distribute in the meatballs.
- Prepare Meat Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef or turkey, egg, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and the cooled chopped spinach and garlic. Stir gently until all ingredients are just mixed, being careful not to overwork the meat for tender meatballs.
- Form Meatballs with Mozzarella Filling: Take a portion of the meat mixture and flatten it in your hand. Place a chilled mozzarella cube in the center and carefully wrap the meat around the cheese, sealing it completely to form a meatball. Repeat this process until all the meat mixture and cheese cubes are used.
- Cook the Meatballs: Choose your preferred cooking method—either bake the meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, or pan-sear them in oil over medium-high heat for 6-8 minutes per side until browned and cooked through.
- Optional Marinara Simmer: For enhanced flavor, transfer the cooked meatballs to a warm skillet with marinara sauce and simmer gently for 5-10 minutes. This step adds moisture and a rich tomato flavor.
- Rest and Serve: Let the meatballs rest for 5 minutes after cooking to retain juiciness and ensure the cheese filling stays melted inside. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- Chilling the mozzarella cubes before stuffing helps prevent the cheese from leaking out during cooking.
- You can substitute ground beef with lean turkey for a lighter option.
- If avoiding gluten, use almond flour or oats instead of traditional breadcrumbs.
- Simmering in marinara sauce is optional but adds extra moisture and flavor.
- Make sure to seal the meatballs entirely around the cheese to avoid it melting out during cooking.
- For a spicier kick, adjust the red pepper flakes to taste.
Keywords: Spinach meatballs, garlic meatballs, mozzarella stuffed meatballs, Italian meatballs, baked meatballs, ground beef meatballs, healthy meatball recipe
