Who can resist tender, flavorful meatballs with gooey mozzarella cheese oozing out of the center? These Spinach Garlic Meatballs are packed with healthy greens, aromatic garlic, and a melty surprise inside. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a fun appetizer, these meatballs are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Packed with flavor and stuffed with cheesy goodness.
- Sneaks in a serving of veggies with fresh spinach.
- Great for meal prep or freezing for later.
- Versatile—serve with pasta, rice, or on their own!
Ingredients
Here’s a snapshot of what you’ll need. The full list of ingredients is in the recipe card below.
- Ground beef or turkey
- Fresh spinach, finely chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Mozzarella cheese cubes (for stuffing)
- Italian seasoning, breadcrumbs, and an egg for binding
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, spinach, garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, and Italian seasoning. Mix until just combined.
- Take a small portion of the meat mixture and flatten it in your hand. Place a cube of mozzarella in the center and wrap the meat around it, sealing it well.
- Place the meatballs on the baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
- Serve hot with your favorite marinara sauce or as a standalone snack.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Use freshly grated mozzarella for the best melting effect.
- Wet your hands slightly to prevent the meat mixture from sticking while forming the meatballs.
- Ensure the cheese is completely covered by the meat to avoid leaks during baking.
- For a crispier exterior, sear the meatballs in a skillet before baking.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Swap mozzarella for another cheese, like cheddar or gouda, for a different flavor.
- Use ground chicken or pork if you prefer.
- Add red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.
- Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve these meatballs over spaghetti with marinara sauce for a classic pairing. They also shine as appetizers with a dipping sauce like garlic aioli or ranch. For a lighter option, pair them with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freeze uncooked meatballs for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave for a quicker option.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes! Thaw it completely and squeeze out excess water before mixing it with the meat.
What’s the best way to keep the cheese from leaking out?
Make sure the mozzarella is fully enclosed in the meat mixture with no gaps.
Can I fry these instead of baking?
Absolutely! Pan-fry them in a little oil over medium heat until browned and cooked through.
Can I make them dairy-free?
Skip the cheese stuffing and add extra seasoning to the meat mixture for more flavor.
Conclusion
Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed with Mozzarella are the ultimate comfort food with a fun twist. They’re easy to make, incredibly versatile, and bursting with flavor in every bite. Give them a try for your next dinner or gathering—you’ll love the cheesy surprise inside!
Recipe Card
(Insert Tasty Recipe plugin details with full ingredients and measurements here.)
Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed with Mozzarella
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baked or Fried
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
These Spinach Garlic Meatballs are juicy, flavorful, and packed with goodness. Stuffed with gooey mozzarella, they make a perfect main course or appetizer. Combining tender spinach, savory garlic, and melty cheese, they’re a crowd-pleaser at any dinner table!
Ingredients
- Ground beef or turkey
- Fresh spinach, finely chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Egg
- Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes
- Olive oil (for baking or frying)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) or heat a large skillet with olive oil over medium heat for frying.
- In a large bowl, combine ground meat, spinach, garlic, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Take a small portion of the meat mixture, flatten it in your palm, and place a cube of mozzarella in the center. Wrap the meat mixture around the cheese and roll it into a ball. Repeat with the remaining mixture.
- Place the meatballs on a greased baking sheet if baking, or add them to the skillet if frying.
- To Bake: Cook for 18-20 minutes, turning halfway for even browning.
- To Fry: Sear on all sides until golden, then reduce heat and cook through.
- Serve hot with marinara sauce, pasta, or as a standalone appetizer.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Make ahead and freeze the uncooked meatballs for a quick meal prep option.
- Pair with a crisp side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4-5 meatballs
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 85mg