Spinach Garlic Meatballs Recipe Everyone Will Love Recipe

Introduction

These Spinach Garlic Meatballs are a flavorful twist on a classic favorite. Packed with fresh spinach, garlic, and gooey mozzarella, they make a delicious and satisfying meal that everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 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 (or oats or almond flour)
• 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
• 8 oz Low-Moisture Mozzarella Cubes (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

1. Step 1: Sauté the spinach and minced garlic in a skillet over medium heat until wilted, about 3-4 minutes. Allow the mixture to cool, then finely chop.
2. Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, egg, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and the chopped spinach mixture. Stir gently until just combined.
3. Step 3: Form the meatballs by placing a chilled mozzarella cube in the center and encasing it completely with the meat mixture, ensuring no cheese is exposed.
4. Step 4: Cook the meatballs either by 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.
5. Step 5: (Optional) Simmer the cooked meatballs in warm marinara sauce for 5-10 minutes to add extra flavor.
6. Step 6: Let the meatballs rest for 5 minutes before serving to retain their juiciness.

Tips & Variations

• Chilling the mozzarella cubes before forming meatballs helps prevent the cheese from leaking during cooking.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour or oats.
• Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick or sprinkle chopped parsley on top for a fresh finish.
• Use ground turkey for a leaner option that still stays juicy with the added cheese and spinach.

Storage

Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. These meatballs also freeze well—freeze on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, but be sure to thaw and thoroughly drain excess moisture from frozen spinach before sautéing to avoid soggy meatballs.

How do I prevent the mozzarella from leaking out?

Keep the mozzarella cubes chilled before wrapping them in the meat mixture and seal the meat tightly around the cheese. Cooking at the recommended temperatures also helps maintain their shape.

Spinach Garlic Meatballs Recipe Everyone Will Love Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 134 reviews

These Spinach Garlic Meatballs are a delicious and nutritious twist on classic meatballs, combining savory ground beef or turkey with sautéed spinach, garlic, and gooey mozzarella centers. Perfectly seasoned and versatile, they can be baked or pan-seared and served with marinara sauce for a flavorful meal that everyone will love.

• Author: Clara
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes (baking) or 12-16 minutes (pan-searing)
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 12 meatballs 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

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For the Meatballs

• 1 lb Ground Beef or Turkey (lean turkey as a substitute)
• 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

1. Sauté Spinach and Garlic: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the fresh spinach and minced garlic. Cook until the spinach is wilted and the garlic is fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool. Once cooled, finely chop the spinach mixture.
2. Mix Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef or turkey, cooled chopped spinach and garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and finely chopped onion if using. Stir gently until all ingredients are just combined—avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.
3. Form Meatballs: Take a portion of the meat mixture and flatten it in your hand. Place a chilled mozzarella cube in the center, then carefully fold the meat mixture around it, sealing completely to encase the cheese. Shape into meatballs of desired size.
4. Cook the Meatballs: Choose your cooking method: To bake, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and arrange meatballs on a baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes until cooked through. Alternatively, pan-sear the meatballs in a skillet with a bit of oil over medium-high heat for 6-8 minutes per side until browned and cooked completely.
5. Optional Simmer: For extra flavor, simmer the cooked meatballs in warm marinara sauce for 5-10 minutes before serving.
6. Resting: Let the meatballs rest for 5 minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring they remain moist and flavorful when served.

Notes

• Using chilled mozzarella cubes helps prevent cheese leakage during cooking.
• Sautéing the spinach enhances its flavor and reduces excess moisture in the meatballs.
• To keep meatballs tender, mix ingredients gently without overworking the meat.
• You can customize the heat and freshness by adding red pepper flakes and chopped parsley as desired.
• Meatballs can be served alongside pasta, in sandwiches, or as appetizers with dipping sauce.

Keywords: spinach meatballs, garlic meatballs, mozzarella stuffed meatballs, Italian meatballs, baked meatballs, healthy meatballs