Spinach garlic meatballs stuffed with mozzarella are a delicious twist on classic meatballs. These flavorful meatballs are packed with nutritious spinach and garlic, and they have a gooey, melty mozzarella center that adds a delightful surprise with every bite. Perfect as an appetizer, main course, or served with pasta, these meatballs are sure to impress.
Ingredients:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped (or thawed and drained frozen spinach)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
For the Filling:
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes (about 1/2-inch)
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped spinach, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, dried oregano, dried basil, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Mix everything together until well combined, being careful not to overmix the meat.
- Form the Meatballs:
- Take about 1 1/2 tablespoons of the meat mixture and flatten it slightly in your hand.
- Place a cube of mozzarella cheese in the center of the meat, then carefully wrap the meat around the cheese, sealing it inside to form a meatball.
- Repeat this process until all the meat mixture and cheese cubes are used.
- Cook the Meatballs:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the meatballs to the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd them. You may need to cook them in batches.
- Cook the meatballs for about 4-5 minutes on each side, turning them occasionally to ensure they are browned on all sides.
- Once browned, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the meatballs cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until they are fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 160°F/71°C).
- Serve:
- Remove the meatballs from the skillet and let them rest for a few minutes.
- Serve the spinach garlic meatballs stuffed with mozzarella hot, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or basil.
- These meatballs are delicious on their own, or you can serve them with pasta, marinara sauce, or as part of a meatball sub.
Tips:
- Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese for the filling, such as provolone, fontina, or cheddar.
- Baking Option: If you prefer, you can bake the meatballs in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, until cooked through and golden brown.
- Make Ahead: The meatballs can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking.
Spinach garlic meatballs stuffed with mozzarella are a delightful and flavorful dish that adds a fun twist to traditional meatballs. With the surprise of melted mozzarella inside, these meatballs are sure to be a hit at your next meal or gathering. Enjoy making and sharing this delicious recipe with your family and friends!
