Spinach Garlic Meatballs with Mozzarella and Parmesan Recipe

Introduction

These Spinach Garlic Meatballs are a flavorful twist on a classic favorite, combining savory ground meat with nutrient-rich spinach and melty mozzarella cheese. Easy to prepare and versatile, they make a delicious appetizer or main dish for any meal.

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

1. Step 1: Sauté the spinach and minced garlic in a skillet over medium heat until wilted, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool, then finely chop.
2. Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, egg, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and the chopped spinach. Stir gently until just mixed.
3. Step 3: Form meatballs by wrapping chilled mozzarella cubes with the meat mixture, making sure each meatball is fully sealed around the cheese.
4. 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 until browned and cooked through.
5. Step 5: (Optional) Simmer the cooked meatballs in warm marinara sauce for 5-10 minutes to add extra flavor.
6. Step 6: Let the meatballs rest for 5 minutes before serving to keep them juicy and tender.

Tips & Variations

• Use lean turkey instead of ground beef for a lighter version with less fat.
• Substitute breadcrumbs with oats or almond flour for a gluten-free option.
• For extra flavor, add finely chopped onion to the meat mixture or serve with a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
• Chill the mozzarella cubes before wrapping to prevent cheese from leaking during cooking.

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 fresh mozzarella instead of low-moisture mozzarella?

Fresh mozzarella has a higher moisture content and may release more liquid during cooking, which can make the meatballs soggy. Low-moisture mozzarella is recommended to keep the shape and texture intact.

How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out during cooking?

Make sure to use chilled mozzarella cubes and tightly seal the meat mixture around them. Avoid overhandling the meat to keep the outer layer intact and use baking or searing methods that form a nice crust quickly.

Spinach Garlic Meatballs with Mozzarella and Parmesan Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 149 reviews

These Spinach Garlic Meatballs combine the rich flavors of ground beef or turkey with sautéed spinach, garlic, and melted mozzarella at the center, creating a juicy, flavorful bite that is perfect as a main dish or party appetizer. The recipe offers two cooking methods—baking or pan-searing—allowing for versatility in preparation while maintaining a deliciously cheesy core.

• Author: Amy
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings (about 12 meatballs) 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main 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

1. Sauté Spinach and Garlic: Heat a skillet over medium heat and sauté the fresh spinach along with minced garlic cloves until the spinach is wilted and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before finely chopping the mixture.
2. Mix Meatball Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef or turkey, finely chopped sautéed spinach and garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Gently stir the mixture until all ingredients are just combined, careful not to overwork the meat.
3. Form Meatballs with Mozzarella: Take portions of the meat mixture and encase chilled mozzarella cubes inside, shaping into evenly sized meatballs. Ensure each ball is completely sealed around the cheese to prevent leakage during cooking.
4. Cook the Meatballs: Choose one cooking method: either bake the meatballs in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes until cooked through and golden brown, or pan-sear the meatballs in a bit of oil over medium-high heat for about 6-8 minutes on each side to develop a crispy exterior and melted interior.
5. Optional Simmering: For an enhanced flavor, gently simmer cooked meatballs in warm marinara sauce over low heat for 5-10 minutes before serving to infuse them with extra taste and moisture.
6. Rest Before Serving: Allow the meatballs to rest for 5 minutes after cooking. This helps retain their juiciness and allows the flavors to meld perfectly before plating.

Notes

• Using low-moisture mozzarella cubes chilled beforehand helps prevent the cheese from leaking out during cooking.
• Substituting ground turkey is a leaner alternative that works well without sacrificing flavor.
• For a gluten-free version, replace breadcrumbs with oats or almond flour.
• Sautéing spinach before mixing with meat enhances its flavor and ensures it blends smoothly.
• If opting to simmer in marinara sauce, avoid cooking too long to prevent meatballs from falling apart.
• Resting time after cooking is important for juicy, tender meatballs rather than a dry texture.

Keywords: Spinach garlic meatballs, mozzarella stuffed meatballs, baked meatballs, Italian meatballs, healthy meatball recipe