Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed with Mozzarella

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground beef , ground turkey , or ground chicken (or a mix)
• 1 cup fresh spinach , finely chopped (or frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry)
• 2 cloves garlic , minced
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crispiness)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 8–10 small cubes of mozzarella cheese (about 1/2-inch each)

For Cooking:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying or baking)
• Optional: marinara sauce for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat , spinach , garlic , breadcrumbs , Parmesan cheese , egg , Italian seasoning , salt , and pepper .
2. Mix everything together gently with your hands or a spoon until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.

Step 2: Stuff the Meatballs

1. Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the meat mixture and flatten it into a disc in your hand.
2. Place a cube of mozzarella cheese in the center and carefully wrap the meat around it, sealing the edges completely to enclose the cheese.
3. Roll the stuffed meatball gently between your palms to form a smooth ball. Repeat with the remaining mixture—you should get about 8–10 meatballs .

Step 3: Cook the Meatballs

Option 1: Pan-Frying

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the meatballs to the skillet and cook for 8–10 minutes , turning occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/75°C ).

Option 2: Baking

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) .
2. Place the meatballs on a greased baking sheet or in a baking dish.
3. Bake for 15–20 minutes , or until golden brown and cooked through.

Step 4: Serve

1. If desired, warm up marinara sauce in a small pot or microwave.
2. Serve the meatballs with marinara sauce for dipping, over pasta, or alongside roasted vegetables and crusty bread.

Tips and Variations

• Add Herbs: Stir fresh parsley, basil, or oregano into the meat mixture for extra flavor.
• Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour instead of regular breadcrumbs.
• Cheese Variations: Swap mozzarella for cubes of cheddar, provolone, or bocconcini for a different cheesy surprise.
• Make Ahead: Assemble the meatballs ahead of time, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking.
• Freezer-Friendly: Freeze uncooked meatballs on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Cook directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Why You’ll Love These Meatballs

• Juicy and Flavorful: The spinach and garlic add freshness, while the mozzarella keeps the meatballs moist and melty.
• Surprise Center: The gooey cheese filling makes every bite exciting.
• Versatile: Serve them as an appetizer, main dish, or snack for any occasion.
• Kid-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love these cheesy, savory bites.
• Customizable: Adjust the spices, herbs, or cheese to suit your taste.

These Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed with Mozzarella are a crowd-pleasing dish that’s as fun to make as they are to eat. Whether you’re hosting a party or craving something comforting, these meatballs are sure to be a hit! 🧀🍴