Zesty Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed With Mozzarella Recipe

Succulent spinach garlic meatballs dancing with melted mozzarella create an irresistible culinary adventure.

Juicy meat combines perfectly with vibrant green vegetables for a stunning dinner centerpiece.

Mediterranean flavors burst through each carefully crafted bite.

Herbs and cheese mingle inside tender protein spheres that promise incredible satisfaction.

Home cooks can easily master this restaurant-quality dish with simple ingredients and quick techniques.

Layers of rich taste emerge unexpectedly, making every mouthful a delightful surprise.

Bet you cannot resist trying these incredible meatballs that elevate weeknight dinners from ordinary to extraordinary.

FAQs On Spinach Garlic Meatballs With Mozzarella

• Can I use only ground beef instead of mixing pork and beef?

Yes, you can use 100% ground beef, but the mix of pork and beef provides richer flavor and better texture.

• How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out during baking?

Make sure to seal the meatballs completely and avoid overstuffing with mozzarella cubes. Press edges firmly to close any potential gaps.

• Is it necessary to use fresh parsley and garlic?

Fresh herbs and garlic offer more intense flavor compared to dried versions, but you can substitute with dried herbs if fresh are unavailable.

• Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

You can prepare the meatballs in advance and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking, or freeze them uncooked for up to 3 months.

Why Try Spinach Garlic Meatballs With Mozzarella

• Create Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: These meatballs pack a delightful surprise with melted mozzarella centers that transform an ordinary dish into a spectacular meal everyone will adore.
• Master Versatile Cooking Technique: Easily transition between baking and serving methods, making these meatballs perfect for casual family dinners, potlucks, or elegant gatherings with minimal preparation stress.
• Boost Nutritional Complexity: Incorporate fresh spinach into the meat mixture, adding vibrant color, extra nutrients, and a subtle earthy flavor that elevates the traditional meatball recipe.
• Customize Flavor Profiles: Experiment with different cheese types, herbs, or meat combinations to personalize the recipe, ensuring each batch feels uniquely delicious and tailored to your taste preferences.

What Goes In Spinach Garlic Meatballs With Mozzarella

• Ground Beef: Provides a rich, hearty foundation for the meatballs.
• Ground Pork: Adds extra moisture and depth of flavor to the meat mixture.

• Eggs, Breadcrumbs: Help bind the meatballs together and create a tender texture.
• Garlic, Parsley, Dried Oregano: Introduce aromatic and fresh herbal notes to the meat mixture.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Season and elevate the overall taste of the meatballs.
• Fresh Spinach: Adds nutritional value and creates a vibrant green color throughout the meat.
• Fresh Mozzarella: Creates a surprise melty cheese center in each meatball.

• Grated Parmesan, Olive Oil: Provide an extra layer of flavor and help achieve a golden, crispy exterior.

Spinach Garlic Meatballs With Mozzarella Directions

Step 1: Blend Ground Meats

Combine ground beef and ground pork in a large mixing bowl. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of both meats, creating a consistent protein base.

Step 2: Create Flavor Foundation

• Eggs
• Breadcrumbs
• Minced garlic
• Chopped parsley
• Dried oregano
• Salt
• Black pepper

Blend ingredients until they are uniformly incorporated, developing a rich and aromatic mixture.

Step 3: Incorporate Fresh Spinach

Finely chop fresh spinach and gently fold into the meat mixture. The vibrant green flecks will add color and nutritional value to your meatballs.

Step 4: Prepare Cheese Surprise

Cut fresh mozzarella into small, uniform cubes, preparing for the hidden cheese center that will delight your taste buds.

Step 5: Shape Meatball Bases

Divide the seasoned meat mixture into equal portions, forming golf ball-sized rounds with your hands.

Step 6: Create Cheese Pocket

Use your thumb to create a deep pocket in the center of each meatball. Carefully insert a few mozzarella cubes into the center.

Step 7: Seal Cheese Inside

Carefully seal the meat around the cheese, ensuring no gaps and maintaining a smooth, round shape. This prevents cheese from leaking during cooking.

Step 8: Add Parmesan Coating

Sprinkle grated parmesan over the assembled meatballs, providing an extra layer of savory flavor.

Step 9: Prepare Baking Setup

Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 10: Enhance with Olive Oil

Drizzle olive oil over the meatballs to promote a golden, crispy exterior during baking.

Step 11: Bake to Perfection

Bake meatballs for 20-25 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through cooking. Ensure internal temperature reaches 160°F and exterior turns golden brown.

Step 12: Rest and Serve

Allow meatballs to rest for 5 minutes before serving. This enables the cheese to settle and flavors to meld, creating a more delicious final dish.

Tips For Juicy Spinach Garlic Meatballs With Mozzarella

• Master Meat Mixing: Blend ground beef and pork thoroughly to create a harmonious, rich flavor profile that ensures every bite is perfectly seasoned.
• Herb Infusion Technique: Gently incorporate fresh parsley, minced garlic, and dried oregano to elevate the meatballs' aromatic complexity without overwhelming the meat.
• Cheese Pocket Perfection: Create a deep thumb indentation when forming meatballs, strategically hiding mozzarella cubes to deliver a surprise molten cheese center.
• Golden Brown Trick: Drizzle olive oil and sprinkle parmesan before baking to achieve a crispy, golden exterior that locks in moisture and adds extra flavor depth.
• Temperature Control Wisdom: Let meatballs rest for 5 minutes after baking, allowing internal temperatures to stabilize and cheese to settle for the ultimate mouthwatering experience.

Alternate Styles Of Spinach Garlic Meatballs With Mozzarella

• Vegetarian Meatball Swap: Replace ground beef and pork with plant-based alternatives like lentils, mushrooms, and quinoa, binding with flax eggs for protein-rich meatless option.
• Low-Carb Keto Meatballs: Substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds, reducing carbohydrate content while maintaining delicious texture and flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Mediterranean Variation: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers, ensuring safe consumption for individuals with gluten sensitivities while preserving authentic taste.
• Spicy Jalapeño Cheese Meatballs: Incorporate diced jalapeños into meat mixture and replace mozzarella with pepper jack cheese, creating a zesty and fiery version of the original recipe.

What Pairs With Spinach Garlic Meatballs With Mozzarella

• Pair Rustic Red Wine: Choose a bold Italian Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the rich, meaty flavor of the mozzarella-stuffed meatballs, cutting through their richness with balanced acidity.
• Create Garlic Bread Companion: Toast crusty Italian bread with garlic butter and sprinkle fresh parsley, providing a crispy textural contrast and absorbing the delicious meat juices.
• Match Fresh Herb Salad: Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, adding bright, peppery notes that refresh the palate between bites of hearty meatballs.
• Serve Roasted Vegetable Side: Prepare Mediterranean-style roasted zucchini and bell peppers with olive oil and oregano, echoing the herbs in the meatballs and adding nutritious vegetable balance.

Keeping Spinach Garlic Meatballs With Mozzarella Tasty

• Store cooled meatballs in an airtight container for up to 4 days, keeping them fresh and flavorful.
• Wrap individual meatballs tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags for maximum 3 months, preserving their delicious texture.
• Place meatballs on a microwave-safe plate, cover with damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through, preventing dryness.
• Spread meatballs on baking sheet, cover with foil, warm at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, restoring their original juicy consistency and crispy exterior.

Best Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed With Mozzarella Recipe

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4.9 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Succulent Spinach Garlic Meatballs stuffed with mozzarella bring Mediterranean comfort to classic comfort cuisine. Juicy ground meat, fresh herbs, and melted cheese create an irresistible bite that transports palates straight to Italian kitchens.

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Ingredients

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Meat Base:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 0.5 lb ground pork
• 2 large eggs
• 0.5 cup breadcrumbs

Cheese and Filling:

• 1 cup fresh mozzarella, cubed
• 0.5 cup grated parmesan cheese

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp dried oregano
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly combine ground beef and ground pork in a large mixing bowl, ensuring even distribution of meats.
2. Integrate eggs, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, chopped parsley, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper into the meat mixture, blending until ingredients are uniformly incorporated.
3. Finely chop fresh spinach and gently fold into the meat mixture, creating a vibrant green-flecked blend.
4. Cube fresh mozzarella into small, uniform pieces, preparing for the hidden cheese center.
5. Divide the seasoned meat mixture into equal portions, creating golf ball-sized rounds.
6. Using your thumb, create a deep pocket in the center of each meat ball, carefully inserting a few cubes of mozzarella.
7. Carefully seal the meat around the cheese, ensuring no gaps and maintaining a smooth, round shape.
8. Sprinkle grated parmesan over the assembled meatballs, providing an extra layer of flavor.
9. Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
10. Drizzle olive oil over the meatballs, promoting a golden, crispy exterior.
11. Bake for 20-25 minutes, rotating halfway through, until internal temperature reaches 160°F and exterior turns golden brown.
12. Allow meatballs to rest for 5 minutes before serving, enabling cheese to settle and flavors to meld.

Notes

• Use lean ground beef and pork for a healthier version, reducing overall fat content without sacrificing flavor.
• Ensure mozzarella cubes are fully sealed inside the meatball to prevent cheese from leaking during cooking.
• Freeze meatballs for 15 minutes before baking to help maintain their shape and prevent cheese from oozing out.
• Replace breadcrumbs with almond flour for a gluten-free alternative that keeps the meatballs light and tender.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 365
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 115 mg