Get ready to fall in love with these Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed With Mozzarella—a recipe that takes classic meatballs to a whole new level of deliciousness. These meatballs are not only packed with the goodness of spinach and garlic but also hide a gooey, melty mozzarella center that bursts with flavor in every bite. They’re perfect for a cozy family dinner or as a show-stopping appetizer for your next gathering.
The first time I made these, I was just trying to sneak some extra greens into our meal. Little did I know, they would become a family favorite! The combination of juicy ground meat, vibrant spinach, and savory garlic, all enveloping a core of creamy mozzarella, is simply irresistible. And the best part? They’re so easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time, making them a stress-free option for any occasion.
These meatballs are not just another dish—they’re an experience. Whether you’re serving them over pasta, alongside a fresh salad, or on their own with a dipping sauce, they’re bound to impress. So, let’s dive into this recipe and create some magic in the kitchen!
Recipe Summary
These Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed With Mozzarella are a mouthwatering twist on a classic. Ground meat is combined with fresh spinach, garlic, and a blend of seasonings, then wrapped around a piece of mozzarella cheese for a delightful surprise. They’re baked to perfection, ensuring that the meatballs stay juicy and the cheese gets perfectly melty. Ready in just 45 minutes, these meatballs are perfect for a weeknight dinner or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
A Family Favorite
These meatballs quickly earned a permanent spot in our dinner rotation. My husband raves about how the mozzarella oozes out when you take a bite, and the kids love helping me stuff the cheese into the meatballs—it’s a fun little kitchen project that we can all do together. Plus, knowing that they’re getting a good serving of spinach in every bite makes me feel great as a mom. These meatballs are always a hit at family gatherings, and there’s never a single one left on the plate!
How to Make Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed With Mozzarella
- Prepare the Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, chopped spinach, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until all the ingredients are well incorporated.
- Form the Meatballs: Take a small amount of the meat mixture and flatten it in your hand. Place a cube of mozzarella in the center and wrap the meat mixture around it, forming a ball. Make sure the cheese is completely enclosed. Repeat with the remaining meat mixture and mozzarella cubes.
- Cook the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side until browned all over. Alternatively, you can bake them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes until fully cooked.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the meatballs hot with your favorite marinara sauce, over pasta, or on their own as a tasty appetizer.
Tips for Perfect Meatballs
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can make the meatballs tough. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Seal Well: Make sure the mozzarella is completely enclosed in the meat to prevent it from leaking out during cooking.
- Bake for Convenience: If you prefer, bake the meatballs for an easier, hands-off cooking method.
Substitutions and Variations
- Different Cheeses: Swap mozzarella for cheddar, provolone, or even blue cheese for a different flavor.
- Use Different Greens: Try using kale or arugula instead of spinach for a twist on the recipe.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make these meatballs gluten-free.
Make a Healthier Version
- Lean Meat: Use ground turkey or chicken for a lower-fat version of these meatballs.
- Reduced-Fat Cheese: Opt for part-skim mozzarella to cut down on fat without sacrificing flavor.
And there you have it!
A delicious batch of Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed With Mozzarella that are sure to impress. Whether you’re serving them as a main dish or a party appetizer, they’re bound to be a hit. Don’t forget to let us know how they turned out, and be sure to check out more of our mouthwatering recipes!
Categories: Appetizer, Main Course
Tags: Italian-American, Spinach, Mozzarella, Meatballs
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
- Yes, you can assemble the meatballs and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking.
- Can I freeze these meatballs?
- Absolutely. Freeze uncooked meatballs on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Cook from frozen for a convenient meal.
- What can I serve with these meatballs?
- They pair well with pasta, a fresh salad, or even in a meatball sub.
- How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out?
- Make sure the mozzarella is fully enclosed by the meat mixture and don’t overcook the meatballs.
- Can I bake these instead of frying?
- Yes, baking is a great option for a healthier and easier preparation.
- What dipping sauces go well with these meatballs?
- Marinara sauce, garlic aioli, or a spicy sriracha mayo are all great choices.