These Spinach Garlic Meatballs stuffed with mozzarella are a delicious and flavorful dish that can be served as an appetizer, main course, or even in a sub sandwich. The combination of spinach, garlic, and gooey mozzarella makes for a delightful treat. Here’s a simple recipe to make them.
Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed with Mozzarella Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped (or 1/2 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (Italian seasoned or plain)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried parsley)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes (for stuffing)
For the Sauce (Optional):
- 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Prepare the Meatball Mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped spinach, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, minced garlic, egg, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning (if using). Mix until just combined; be careful not to overmix.
3. Form the Meatballs:
- Take a small amount of the meat mixture (about 2 tablespoons) and flatten it in your palm. Place a cube of mozzarella cheese in the center and fold the meat around it, rolling it into a ball. Repeat with the remaining mixture and cheese.
4. Bake the Meatballs:
- Place the stuffed meatballs on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and browned on the outside.
5. Prepare the Sauce (Optional):
- While the meatballs are baking, heat the marinara sauce in a saucepan over medium heat until warmed through.
6. Serve:
- Once the meatballs are done, you can serve them in the marinara sauce or on their own. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
Tips:
- Freezing: These meatballs can be made ahead of time and frozen. Just bake them, let them cool, and then freeze in an airtight container. Reheat in the oven or microwave when ready to serve.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve the meatballs with spaghetti, in a sub sandwich with marinara and cheese, or as an appetizer with toothpicks.
Enjoy your delicious Spinach Garlic Meatballs stuffed with mozzarella!