Description
Juicy, flavorful Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed with Mozzarella make a delicious main dish, appetizer, or sandwich filling. Packed with spinach, garlic, and melted cheese, these meatballs are an irresistible blend of health and indulgence.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Filling:
- 6 oz mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes
For Cooking:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups marinara sauce (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground meat, chopped spinach, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix thoroughly until well incorporated.
- Form the Meatballs:
- Take about 2 tablespoons of the meat mixture and flatten it in your palm. Place a mozzarella cube in the center and wrap the meat around it, rolling into a ball. Repeat until all meatballs are formed.
- Cook the Meatballs:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook meatballs for about 2-3 minutes per side, until browned all over.
- Simmer in Sauce (Optional):
- If using marinara sauce, pour it into the skillet with the meatballs. Cover and let simmer for 10-15 minutes until fully cooked through.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve hot with pasta, on a sub roll, or as an appetizer. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- For a leaner version, use ground turkey or chicken.
- Swap regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour for a gluten-free option.
- Try cheddar or provolone instead of mozzarella for a unique twist.
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 18-20 minutes instead of frying.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Appetizer
- Method: Pan-frying, Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: Spinach Garlic Meatballs, Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs, Cheesy Meatballs, Italian Meatballs, Easy Meatball Recipe