Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed with Mozzarella

These Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed with Mozzarella are a delicious twist on a classic meatball. The tender meatballs are packed with spinach and garlic, then filled with a gooey mozzarella center. Perfect for a comforting meal, these meatballs are flavorful, cheesy, and sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Spinach Garlic Meatballs are a savory delight with an added surprise in every bite. The garlic and spinach give the meatballs a fragrant, savory depth, while the melted mozzarella in the center offers a creamy, cheesy surprise. Whether served with pasta, as a sandwich, or on their own, they’re the perfect combination of rich flavor and satisfying texture.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef or turkey
• 1/2 cup fresh spinach, chopped
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• 4 oz mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for frying)
• Marinara sauce, for serving (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the meatball mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef or turkey, spinach, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
2. Form the meatballs: Take a small amount of the mixture and flatten it into a patty. Place a cube of mozzarella in the center and mold the meat around it to form a ball. Repeat with the remaining mixture.
3. Cook the meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook for about 6-8 minutes, turning them occasionally, until they are golden brown on all sides and cooked through.
4. Serve: Serve the meatballs with marinara sauce, pasta, or on their own for a delicious and hearty meal.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4

Total Time: 25 minutes

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Variations

Use different protein: You can substitute the ground beef or turkey with ground chicken.

Add more herbs: Feel free to add fresh herbs like basil or parsley to the meatball mixture for extra flavor.

Go gluten-free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or substitute with almond flour for a gluten-free version.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating: Reheat the meatballs in the microwave or on the stove in marinara sauce over low heat until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I freeze these meatballs?
Yes, you can freeze the meatballs before cooking. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to a bag for storage. Cook from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.

Can I use store-bought breadcrumbs?
Yes, store-bought breadcrumbs work fine for this recipe. Just be sure to use plain breadcrumbs to avoid altering the flavor.

Can I make these meatballs without spinach?
You can substitute the spinach with other greens, such as kale, or omit it entirely if preferred.

How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out during cooking?
Be sure to seal the meatballs well around the mozzarella to keep the cheese inside while cooking.

Can I bake these meatballs instead of frying them?
Yes, you can bake the meatballs at 375°F for about 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through for even cooking.

Can I use a different type of cheese?
Mozzarella is ideal for its melting properties, but you could try provolone or fontina as an alternative.

How do I know when the meatballs are cooked through?
Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F.

Can I use frozen spinach in this recipe?
Yes, frozen spinach works just fine as long as it’s thawed and drained thoroughly before use.

Can I make the meatballs larger or smaller?
You can adjust the size of the meatballs to your liking. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Can I serve these with something other than marinara sauce?
These meatballs are versatile and can be served with ranch dressing, pesto, or even a creamy garlic sauce for a different flavor.

Conclusion

Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed with Mozzarella are a delicious, comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With their cheesy surprise in the middle and savory, garlicky flavor, these meatballs are sure to become a family favorite. Serve them with pasta, as an appetizer, or in a sandwich, and enjoy the irresistible combination of flavors and textures.

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