Spinach Garlic Meatballs Recipe Everyone Will Love Recipe
Introduction
These Spinach Garlic Meatballs are a delicious twist on a classic favorite, blending fresh spinach and bold garlic for a flavorful bite. Wrapped around gooey mozzarella, they make a perfect appetizer or main dish that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground Beef or Turkey (can substitute with lean turkey)
- 2 cups Fresh Spinach, sautéed to enhance flavor
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 small Onion, optional, finely chopped
- 1 large Egg
- 1 cup Breadcrumbs (can use oats or almond flour)
- 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
- 8 oz Low-Moisture Mozzarella Cubes (use chilled to avoid leaks)
- 1 tbsp Italian Seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1/2 tsp Red Pepper Flakes for heat
- Optional: 1 tbsp Chopped Parsley for freshness
Instructions
- Step 1: Sauté the spinach and minced garlic in a skillet over medium heat until the spinach is wilted, about 3-4 minutes. Allow the mixture to cool, then finely chop it.
- Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, egg, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, the chopped spinach mixture, and optional onion, red pepper flakes, and parsley. Stir gently until just mixed.
- Step 3: Form the meatballs by placing a chilled mozzarella cube in the center and encasing it completely with the meat mixture, ensuring the cheese is fully sealed inside.
- Step 4: Cook the meatballs by either baking at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes or pan-searing in oil over medium-high heat for 6-8 minutes per side until browned and cooked through.
- Step 5: Optionally, simmer the cooked meatballs in warm marinara sauce for 5-10 minutes to add extra flavor.
- Step 6: Let the meatballs rest for 5 minutes after cooking to retain their juiciness before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For a lighter option, use lean turkey and substitute breadcrumbs with oats or almond flour.
- Chilling the mozzarella cubes before assembling helps prevent cheese from leaking during cooking.
- Add finely chopped onion or fresh herbs like parsley for enhanced flavor and freshness.
- Simmering meatballs in marinara ketchup adds moisture and richness, perfect for serving with pasta or crusty bread.
Storage
Store cooked meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. You can also freeze uncooked meatballs on a tray before transferring to a freezer bag for up to 3 months; cook from frozen following the same methods, adding a few extra minutes if baking.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, you can substitute frozen spinach. Thaw and squeeze out excess moisture before sautéing to prevent watery meatballs.
What if I don’t have mozzarella cubes?
You can cut a block of mozzarella into small cubes or use shredded mozzarella, but whole cubes work best to create a gooey center without leaking.
PrintSpinach Garlic Meatballs Recipe Everyone Will Love Recipe
Delicious and flavorful Spinach Garlic Meatballs made with a savory blend of ground beef or turkey, fresh spinach, garlic, and melted mozzarella cheese at the center. These meatballs are enhanced with Italian seasoning and Parmesan cheese, offering a nutritious twist to a classic favorite. Perfect as an appetizer, main dish, or served with marinara sauce for a hearty meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes (baking) or 12-16 minutes (pan-searing)
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 16 meatballs 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
- 1 lb Ground Beef or Turkey (lean turkey can be substituted)
- 2 cups Fresh Spinach, sautéed
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 small Onion, finely chopped (optional)
- 1 large Egg
- 1 cup Breadcrumbs (can substitute with oats or almond flour)
- 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
- 8 oz Low-Moisture Mozzarella Cubes, chilled
- 1 tbsp Italian Seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Optional Enhancements
- 1/2 tsp Red Pepper Flakes, for heat
- 1 tbsp Chopped Parsley, for freshness
Instructions
- Sauté Spinach and Garlic: Heat a skillet over medium heat and sauté the fresh spinach and minced garlic until the spinach is wilted, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool before finely chopping.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef or turkey, the cooled chopped spinach and garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and optional finely chopped onion. Stir gently until just combined to avoid overworking the meat.
- Form Meatballs: Take a portion of the meat mixture and form a small patty. Place a chilled mozzarella cube in the center and mold the meat around it, sealing completely to encase the cheese within the meatball. Repeat for all meatballs.
- Cook Meatballs: Choose your preferred cooking method. For baking, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and place meatballs on a baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes until cooked through and browned. Alternatively, pan-sear the meatballs in a skillet over medium-high heat with a bit of oil for 6-8 minutes per side until fully cooked and golden brown.
- Simmer in Sauce (Optional): For more flavor, gently simmer the cooked meatballs in warm marinara sauce for 5-10 minutes before serving.
- Rest Meatballs: Let the meatballs rest for 5 minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring they stay moist and flavorful.
Notes
- Using chilled mozzarella cubes helps prevent the cheese from leaking out during cooking.
- Whole wheat breadcrumbs or almond flour can be used as healthier substitutes.
- For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes into the meat mixture.
- These meatballs pair wonderfully with pasta, in sandwiches, or served as an appetizer with dipping sauce.
- Ensure meatballs are fully sealed around the cheese to avoid leakage during cooking.
Keywords: spinach garlic meatballs, baked meatballs, mozzarella stuffed meatballs, Italian meatballs, healthy meatballs, easy dinner recipe
