Spinach Garlic Meatballs with Mozzarella and Parmesan Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
