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Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed with Mozzarella

Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed with Mozzarella

Delicious Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed with Mozzarella combine juicy beef and pork meat, fresh spinach, fragrant garlic, and melted mozzarella cheese for a flavorful and cheesy surprise inside every bite. Perfect as a main dish, appetizer, or party snack, these meatballs bring wholesome ingredients together in an easy yet impressive recipe that is sure to delight your taste buds.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatball Mixture

  • 1/2 lb ground beef
  • 1/2 lb ground pork
  • 1 cup fresh spinach, washed and finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 cup bread crumbs (use gluten-free if needed)
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or substitute with fresh basil or oregano)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Stuffing

  • 12 small cubes of mozzarella cheese

For Cooking

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Spinach and Mix: Wash and finely chop fresh spinach. Sauté it briefly with minced garlic in a little olive oil until just wilted. Allow it to cool slightly. In a large bowl, combine the sautéed spinach and garlic with ground beef and pork, bread crumbs, egg, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until evenly incorporated.
  2. Shape and Stuff the Meatballs: Take small portions of the meat mixture and flatten them in your palm. Place a cube of mozzarella cheese in the center and carefully wrap the meat around the cheese, rolling into a smooth ball. Make sure the cheese is completely enclosed to prevent leakage during cooking.
  3. Cook the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs evenly on all sides until golden and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Alternatively, bake the meatballs in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through to achieve a nice crust.
  4. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Spinach Garlic Meatballs hot, paired with your favorite sauce or side dishes. The mozzarella inside should be melted and stringy, creating a perfect gooey surprise.

Notes

  • Use room temperature ingredients to help everything bind better and cook evenly.
  • Don’t overmix the meat to keep meatballs tender instead of tough.
  • Seal the cheese well by rolling the meat tightly around the mozzarella cubes to avoid cheese oozing out during cooking.
  • Ensure meatballs reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) to be safely cooked but avoid overcooking.
  • Let meatballs rest for 5 minutes after cooking so juices redistribute for better flavor and moisture.

Nutrition

Keywords: spinach meatballs, garlic meatballs, mozzarella stuffed meatballs, cheesy meatballs, gluten free meatballs, Italian meatballs