Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed With Mozzarella 🧀 -

Description of this recipe: These Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed With Mozzarella are a delightful and healthy twist on the classic meatball. Packed with nutritious spinach and oozing with melted mozzarella cheese, these meatballs are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly dinner, a flavorful appetizer, or a creative way to sneak in some greens, this recipe delivers on all fronts.

Why you will love this recipe: This recipe is a winner for several reasons. Firstly, it’s incredibly delicious. The savory combination of ground meat, garlic, and Parmesan cheese, coupled with the mild sweetness of spinach and the creamy, molten mozzarella center, creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Secondly, it’s a fantastic way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet, especially for those who are hesitant about eating their greens. Thirdly, these meatballs are surprisingly easy to make, requiring minimal effort and readily available ingredients. Finally, they’re incredibly versatile, perfect for serving as a main course, appetizer, or even as a topping for pasta or pizza.

Introduction

Meatballs are a culinary staple in many cultures, and for good reason. They’re comforting, satisfying, and endlessly adaptable. This recipe takes the humble meatball to a whole new level by stuffing it with creamy mozzarella and enriching it with the goodness of spinach. The result is a juicy, flavorful meatball that’s as nutritious as it is delicious.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick and easy dinner solution. The ingredients are simple and readily available, and the preparation is straightforward. You can even make a big batch of these meatballs ahead of time and freeze them for future use, making them a convenient option for meal prepping.

But don’t let the simplicity fool you. These meatballs are packed with flavor. The combination of ground meat, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and spinach creates a savory and aromatic base that is perfectly complemented by the creamy, melted mozzarella center. The spinach not only adds nutritional value but also helps to keep the meatballs moist and tender.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is guaranteed to be a success. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will delight your senses and nourish your body.

Ingredients:

8 ounces fresh baby spinach
1 pound ground meat (beef, pork, or turkey – or a combination)
½ cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian seasoned)
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 clove garlic, minced (or 2 for extra garlicky flavor!)
1 large egg
Salt and pepper to taste
4 ounces mozzarella cheese, cut into ½-inch cubes
Olive oil for cooking
Marinara sauce (optional, for serving)

Preparation:

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Prepare the spinach. In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the spinach and sauté until wilted, about 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly. Once cooled, squeeze out any excess moisture from the spinach. This is important to prevent the meatballs from becoming soggy. Roughly chop the spinach and set aside.

Step 3: Combine the ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, and egg. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add the squeezed and chopped spinach to the bowl.

Step 4: Mix well. Use your hands or a wooden spoon to thoroughly combine all the ingredients until they are evenly distributed. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.

Step 5: Form the meatballs. Take a small portion of the meat mixture, about 2-3 tablespoons, and flatten it in your hand. Place a cube of mozzarella cheese in the center of the flattened meat. Gently mold the meat around the cheese, ensuring that the cheese is completely enclosed. Roll the meat into a ball shape. Repeat with the remaining meat mixture and mozzarella cheese.

Step 6: Bake the meatballs. Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly apart. Drizzle the meatballs with a little olive oil to help them brown.

Step 7: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and golden brown. The internal temperature of the meatballs should reach 160°F (71°C).

Step 8: Serve. Remove the meatballs from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Serve hot with marinara sauce, if desired.

COOKING Rating:

Easy

Serving Suggestions:

Serve these meatballs as a main course with a side of pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables.
Use them as a topping for pizza or baked ziti.
Serve them as appetizers with toothpicks and a dipping sauce.
Make meatball subs by placing the meatballs in hoagie rolls with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese.
Add them to soups or stews for extra flavor and protein.

Tips:

For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of Worcestershire sauce to the meat mixture.
If you don’t have fresh spinach, you can use frozen spinach. Be sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out any excess moisture before adding it to the meat mixture.
To prevent the meatballs from sticking to your hands, lightly wet your hands with water before forming them.
You can also use different types of cheese for the filling, such as provolone, fontina, or even a mix of cheeses.
For a healthier option, use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef or pork.
These meatballs can be made ahead of time and frozen. To freeze, place the uncooked meatballs on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag or container and store for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, bake the frozen meatballs for about 30-35 minutes, or until cooked through.

Prep Time:

15 minutes

Cook Time:

25 minutes

Total Time:

40 minutes

Nutritional Information:

(Per serving, estimated)

Calories: 250-300 (depending on the type of ground meat used)
Protein: 25-30g
Sodium: 300-400mg (depending on the amount of salt added)

Conclusion

These Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed With Mozzarella are a delicious and versatile dish that is sure to please everyone at the table. They’re packed with flavor, easy to make, and offer a healthy twist on the classic meatball. Whether you’re serving them as a main course, appetizer, or topping, these meatballs are a guaranteed hit. So, give this recipe a try and experience the joy of homemade meatballs that are bursting with flavor and goodness! Enjoy!

Questions and Answers about this recipe:

Q1: Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh spinach?

A: Yes, you can definitely use frozen spinach. Make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out as much excess moisture as possible before adding it to the meat mixture. This will prevent the meatballs from becoming soggy.

Q2: Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

A: Absolutely! These meatballs can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze them for longer storage. To freeze, place the uncooked meatballs on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag or container and store for up to 3 months.

Q3: What can I serve with these meatballs?

A: These meatballs are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. They’re delicious as a main course with a side of pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables. You can also use them as a topping for pizza or baked ziti. For appetizers, serve them with toothpicks and a dipping sauce. And of course, they’re fantastic in meatball subs!

Q4: Can I use a different type of cheese for the filling?

A: Of course! While mozzarella is the classic choice, you can experiment with other cheeses such as provolone, fontina, or even a mix of cheeses. Choose a cheese that melts well and complements the flavors of the meat and spinach.

Q5: Are there any variations I can try?

A: Definitely! There are many ways to customize these meatballs to your liking. You can add different herbs and spices to the meat mixture, such as Italian seasoning, oregano, or basil. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat. For a healthier option, try using ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef or pork. And for a vegetarian version, you can use a plant-based ground meat substitute.