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Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed with Mozzarella

Crispy, golden-brown meatballs filled with gooey mozzarella and enhanced by the bright flavors of spinach and garlic, perfect for family gatherings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs
  • 1 pound ground beef or turkey Use ground turkey for a leaner option.
  • 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped Fresh spinach adds bright flavor.
  • 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, cubed Ensure cheese is cubed to melt effectively inside.
  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs Breadcrumbs help bind the meatballs.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced Minced garlic provides pungent flavor.
  • 1 large egg Egg acts as a binder.
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning Adds a classic Italian flavor.
  • to taste Salt and pepper Season according to preference.
  • as needed Olive oil for cooking Essential for browning the meatballs.

Method
 

Cooking
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef or turkey, chopped spinach, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well until fully incorporated.
  3. Take a handful of the meat mixture and flatten it in your palm. Place a cube of mozzarella cheese in the center, then mold the meat around it to form a ball. Repeat with remaining mixture.
  4. Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs in batches and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown.
  5. Transfer the meatballs to a baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for another 10-15 minutes until cooked through.
  6. Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy solo or drenched in your favorite sauce.

Notes

You can swap ground meat for a plant-based alternative for a vegetarian-friendly version. Ensure to keep an eye on the cooking time to prevent over-browning.