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Spinach Garlic Meatballs with Mozzarella

Spinach Garlic Meatballs with Mozzarella
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This Spinach Garlic Meatballs with Mozzarella recipe offers a comforting, cheesy dinner bursting with bold flavors. Featuring tender ground meat combined with fresh spinach and savory garlic, each meatball surprises with a gooey mozzarella center. Perfect for weeknights or special occasions, this easy-to-make dish is nutritious, family-friendly, and versatile enough to serve as an appetizer, main course, or lunch option.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatball Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef, pork, or turkey
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup bread crumbs (or gluten-free alternative)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Olive oil for sautéing and cooking
  • Mozzarella cheese cubes (about 1-inch cubes, quantity depending on number of meatballs)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Spinach and Garlic: Sauté minced garlic in olive oil over medium heat until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Add chopped fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 3-4 minutes. Set aside to cool slightly.
  2. Mix the Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground meat, sautéed spinach and garlic, bread crumbs, grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, egg, salt, and pepper. Gently mix until all ingredients are evenly incorporated without overworking the meat.
  3. Form the Meatballs with Mozzarella Centers: Take a portion of the meat mixture and flatten it in your palm. Place one cube of mozzarella in the center, then carefully encase it with more meat mixture, rolling into a smooth ball to seal the cheese completely.
  4. Cook the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Brown meatballs evenly on all sides until golden, about 5-7 minutes. Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and cook for an additional 8-10 minutes, ensuring the meat is cooked through and mozzarella inside melts without burning the exterior.
  5. Serve and Enjoy: Transfer cooked meatballs to a serving plate or your preferred sauce. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil and extra grated Parmesan if desired. Serve with sides such as mashed potatoes, salad, or pasta.

Notes

  • Use fresh spinach and garlic for the best flavor and texture.
  • Don’t overmix the meat to keep meatballs tender.
  • Seal the mozzarella well inside to prevent leakage during cooking.
  • Test cook one meatball first to adjust seasoning or cooking time if needed.
  • Keep the olive oil hot when browning meatballs to form a nice crust.
  • Frozen spinach can be used if thoroughly drained and squeezed dry.
  • For gluten-free, substitute bread crumbs with gluten-free alternatives or ground oats.
  • Meatball cooking can be done by baking at 400°F for 15-20 minutes as an alternative to pan-frying.

Nutrition

Keywords: spinach meatballs, garlic meatballs, mozzarella stuffed meatballs, cheesy meatballs, gluten free meatballs, easy dinner, family friendly meatballs

Find it online: https://emillycooks.com/spinach-garlic-meatballs-with-mozzarella/