Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these spinach garlic meatballs stuffed with mozzarella! They are an absolute game-changer in my kitchen! I first discovered this recipe during a cozy dinner party with friends, and it quickly became a favorite. The moment you bite into one, you get that rich, savory flavor of garlic, followed by the fresh taste of spinach, with a delightful surprise of gooey mozzarella in the center! It’s like unwrapping a little gift in every meatball. I love serving these up with a side of marinara sauce for dipping; it’s just heavenly! Plus, they’re super easy to whip up, making them perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests. Trust me, once you try them, you won’t be able to resist making them again and again!
Ingredients List
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, cubed
- 1 egg
These simple ingredients come together to create the most delicious spinach garlic meatballs stuffed with mozzarella! Make sure to chop the spinach finely so it mixes well, and don’t skimp on the garlic—trust me, it adds so much flavor. The mozzarella cubes are the real stars here, so cut them into nice, generous pieces to ensure that melty goodness in each bite! Enjoy gathering these ingredients; they promise a fantastic meal ahead!
How to Prepare Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed with Mozzarella
Preheat the Oven
First things first, let’s get that oven preheated to 375°F (190°C). Preheating is super important because it ensures that your meatballs cook evenly and get that lovely golden finish. Set a timer, and while it warms up, you can get everything else ready!
Mix the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped spinach, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and the egg. Use your hands to mix everything together—trust me, it’s the best way to ensure all those flavors meld together beautifully. Just be gentle; you don’t want to overwork the meat!
Shape the Meatballs
Now comes the fun part! Take a small handful of the meat mixture and flatten it in your palm. Place a generous cube of mozzarella in the center, then fold the meat around it, sealing it well to keep that cheesy goodness inside. Roll it gently into a ball, making sure it’s nice and compact. Repeat this process until all your mixture is shaped into meatballs. They should be about the size of a golf ball, so they cook evenly!
Bake the Meatballs
Place your beautifully shaped meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake them in the preheated oven for about 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they’re browned and cooked through; a meat thermometer should read 160°F (71°C) for perfect doneness. Keep an eye on them, as you don’t want to overbake!
Nutritional Information Section
When it comes to enjoying these spinach garlic meatballs stuffed with mozzarella, it’s always good to have an idea about the nutritional content! Typically, a serving size of about four meatballs contains around 350 calories, 22 grams of fat, and 25 grams of protein. Of course, these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. Just keep in mind that this is an estimate, but you’ll be fueling your body with some nourishing ingredients!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- They’re packed with flavor: The combination of garlic, spinach, and gooey mozzarella creates a taste explosion in every bite!
- Super easy to make: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time.
- Perfect for meal prep: You can make a big batch ahead of time and freeze them for busy weeknights.
- Kid-approved: These meatballs are a hit with kids and adults alike—who can resist that cheesy surprise?
- Versatile serving options: Pair them with pasta, serve over rice, or enjoy them on their own with a side of marinara sauce.
- Gluten-free option: Just switch the breadcrumbs for gluten-free ones, and you’re all set!
Trust me, once you whip these up, you’ll find yourself making them again and again—they’re that good! Plus, they make your kitchen smell incredible while baking!
Tips for Success
To make your spinach garlic meatballs stuffed with mozzarella truly shine, here are some pro tips! First, don’t hesitate to adjust the seasoning—taste the mixture before rolling the meatballs and add a pinch of salt or pepper if you think it needs a little extra kick. If you’re planning to freeze leftovers, shape the meatballs first, then lay them on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring them to a freezer bag. This way, you can pull out just what you need later! Oh, and for an extra flavor boost, consider adding some crushed red pepper flakes or Italian herbs to the mix. Enjoy the process, and happy cooking!
Variations
Don’t be afraid to get a little creative with your spinach garlic meatballs stuffed with mozzarella! You can switch up the herbs by adding fresh basil or oregano for a delightful Italian twist. If you’re in the mood for something spicy, toss in some red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños right into the mix! For a different flavor profile, try using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef—it’s lighter but still oh-so-tasty. And if you want to sneak in even more veggies, finely chopped bell peppers or zucchini can add moisture and flavor. The possibilities are endless, so have fun experimenting!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your spinach garlic meatballs stuffed with mozzarella is super easy! Just place any leftovers in an airtight container and pop them in the fridge, where they’ll stay fresh for up to 4 days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for about 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave them for a quick fix—just keep an eye on them so they don’t dry out. Enjoy the cheesy goodness again and again!
Serving Suggestions
To elevate your meal experience with these spinach garlic meatballs stuffed with mozzarella, serve them over a bed of al dente spaghetti tossed in marinara sauce for a classic Italian dish. A side of garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce! You could also pair them with a fresh arugula salad drizzled with lemon vinaigrette for a nice, bright contrast. Enjoy the deliciousness!
Print
Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed with Mozzarella Delight
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Delicious spinach garlic meatballs stuffed with mozzarella cheese.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, cubed
- 1 egg
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix ground beef, spinach, garlic, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, salt, pepper, and egg.
- Take a small amount of the mixture and flatten it in your hand.
- Place a cube of mozzarella in the center and form the meat around it to seal.
- Repeat until all meat mixture is used.
- Place meatballs on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until cooked through.
Notes
- Serve with marinara sauce.
- Can be made ahead and frozen.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 meatballs
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: spinach garlic meatballs stuffed with mozzarella
