Title: Delicious Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed with Mozzarella
Total Time: 40 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Introduction
Elevate your dinner game with these Italian-inspired Spinach Garlic Meatballs. Packed with finely chopped spinach, minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, and ground beef or turkey, each bite is bursting with flavor. The heart of these meatballs, however, hides a surprise – mouthwatering gooey mozzarella cheese. Whether paired with pasta or a refreshing salad, these meatballs are sure to impress!
Why make this recipe
Are you looking for a dish to wow your family and friends? Look no further! Combining the wholesome goodness of spinach and garlic with the juicy, flavor-packed beef, and the melting, heartwarming mozzarella, these Spinach Garlic Meatballs have it all.
Ingredients
– 1 lb ground beef or turkey
– 1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 egg
– 1 tsp Italian seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 oz mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes
– 2 tbsp olive oil
Directions
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking sheet with olive oil.
2. In a large bowl, mix the ground meat, chopped spinach, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. Flatten a small amount of the meat mixture in your palm. Place a mozzarella cube in the center and wrap the meat around it to form a ball. Repeat with the remaining meat and cheese.
4. Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until golden and cooked through.
How to serve Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed with Mozzarella
Serve the meatballs hot with your favorite pasta and sauce, or with a fresh green salad. You could also place them on a bed of sautéed vegetables or rice.
How to store Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed with Mozzarella
Store any leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or until heated through.
Tips to make Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed with Mozzarella
– Choose fresh spinach and garlic for the best flavor.
– You can substitute ground pork or chicken for the beef or turkey.
– Swap out the mozzarella with provolone or cheddar for a twist.
Variations
Why not try making the meatballs with half ground beef and half Italian sausage for a flavor boost? Or substitute the spinach with finely chopped kale or Swiss chard.
FAQs
1. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs.
2. Can I freeze these meatballs?
Yes, freeze them after baking and cooling. Defrost in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven at 350°F.
3. Can I use dried herbs instead of Italian seasoning?
Absolutely! Substitute 1 tsp Italian seasoning with a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme to your taste.