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Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed with Mozzarella

Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed with Mozzarella
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Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed with Mozzarella are flavorful, juicy meatballs combining tender ground meat, fresh garlic, and nutrient-rich spinach with a gooey mozzarella center. Perfect as an appetizer or main course, these meatballs offer a delicious blend of savory richness and freshness, ideal for family meals, entertaining guests, or meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground meat (beef, turkey, or a mix)
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup small mozzarella cubes or string cheese pieces
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if needed)
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing and browning)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Spinach and Garlic: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté the minced garlic until fragrant and golden. Add fresh spinach and cook just until wilted. Remove from heat, let cool, then thoroughly squeeze out excess moisture to prevent soggy meatballs.
  2. Mix the Meatball Base: In a large bowl, combine ground meat, sautéed spinach and garlic, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix gently but thoroughly to evenly blend all ingredients without overworking the meat.
  3. Shape and Stuff the Meatballs: Take a small handful of the meat mixture, flatten it, and place a cube of cold mozzarella in the center. Carefully fold the meat around the cheese and roll into a smooth ball, ensuring the cheese is completely enclosed.
  4. Cook the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides until golden. Then reduce heat to medium-low, cover the pan, and cook through for about 10-12 minutes. Alternatively, bake the meatballs in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes until fully cooked.
  5. Serve and Enjoy: Let the meatballs rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the cheese to set slightly. Serve warm, with melted, gooey mozzarella centers.

Notes

  • Remove excess moisture thoroughly from cooked spinach to avoid watery meatballs.
  • Use cold mozzarella cubes to prevent premature melting during cooking.
  • Mix ingredients gently to keep meatballs tender and not tough.
  • Make meatballs uniform in size for even cooking and perfect cheese melting.
  • Allow meatballs to rest briefly after cooking to let the cheese center set.
  • Test cook one meatball first to adjust seasoning and cook time.

Nutrition

Keywords: spinach meatballs, garlic meatballs, mozzarella stuffed meatballs, healthy meatballs, gluten-free meatballs, cheesy meatballs, appetizer, main course

Find it online: https://juliaglam.com/spinach-garlic-meatballs-stuffed-with-mozzarella/