Description

Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed with Mozzarella combine fresh spinach, aromatic garlic, and melted mozzarella cheese inside flavorful meatballs. This recipe creates a delicious, hearty dish perfect as an appetizer or main course, balancing bold flavors, nutritious ingredients, and an indulgent cheesy center for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatball Mixture

1 lb ground meat (beef, pork, or turkey)
1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
Salt and pepper, to taste

Stuffing

Mozzarella cheese balls or cubes (about 1-inch pieces), enough for center of each meatball

For Cooking

2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

Prepare the Spinach and Garlic: Blanch the fresh spinach in boiling water for about 1 minute, then drain and squeeze out excess moisture thoroughly. Mince the garlic cloves finely and set both aside.
Combine the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, mix ground meat, blanched spinach, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, chopped parsley and basil, egg, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to combine evenly without overworking the mixture.
Shape the Meatballs and Stuff: Take a portion of the meat mixture and flatten it in your palm. Place a mozzarella cube or ball in the center and gently mold the meat mixture around it to create a sealed meatball.
Brown the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and brown them on all sides until golden to lock in moisture and flavor.
Finish Cooking: Transfer meatballs to a baking dish and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes until cooked through and the cheese inside is melted and gooey.

Notes

Drain spinach thoroughly to prevent soggy meatballs and help the mixture bind better.
Chill the meatball mixture for 15-20 minutes before shaping for easier handling.
Seal mozzarella cheese completely inside each meatball to prevent leakage during cooking.
Use a digital thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of meatballs reaches 160°F (71°C) for safety.
Let meatballs rest after baking to redistribute juices and maintain moistness.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Appetizers
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian-inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 4 meatballs
Calories: 320 kcal
Sugar: 1 g
Sodium: 480 mg
Fat: 22 g
Saturated Fat: 9 g
Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 10 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 24 g
Cholesterol: 110 mg

Keywords: spinach, garlic, meatballs, mozzarella, stuffed meatballs, appetizer, Italian, cheesy, baked meatballs