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Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed with Mozzarella

Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed with Mozzarella
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Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed with Mozzarella combine juicy, tender meatballs infused with fresh garlic and spinach, stuffed with melty mozzarella centers. This dish offers comforting flavors with elegant appeal, perfect for quick dinners or party appetizers that balance taste, texture, and wholesome ingredients in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground meat (beef or a mix of beef and pork)
  • 1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup mozzarella balls or cubes (preferably cold)
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (or almond flour/gluten-free panko for gluten-free option)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning or 1 tbsp fresh herbs (optional)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Spinach and Garlic: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté the minced garlic until fragrant and golden. Add finely chopped spinach and cook just until wilted. Remove from heat and squeeze out all excess moisture to prevent soggy meatballs.
  2. Mix the Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground meat, sautéed spinach and garlic, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, egg, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix gently until evenly combined, taking care not to overmix to keep the meatballs tender.
  3. Form and Stuff the Meatballs: Take a small handful of the meat mixture and flatten it in your palm. Place a cube or small ball of cold mozzarella in the center, then carefully shape the meat around the cheese, sealing it completely inside.
  4. Cook the Meatballs: Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the meatballs in batches, turning occasionally, until golden brown on all sides and fully cooked through, about 10 to 12 minutes.
  5. Optional Baking for Melted Cheese Center: For an extra ooey-gooey cheese center, transfer the browned meatballs to a baking dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5 to 7 minutes to ensure the mozzarella melts perfectly.

Notes

  • Don’t skip squeezing out excess moisture from the spinach to prevent soggy meatballs.
  • Use cold mozzarella to help the cheese retain its shape inside the meatballs.
  • Mix the meatballs ingredients gently to avoid toughness.
  • Make meatballs uniform in size for even cooking.
  • Cook meatballs in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, ensuring a crispy exterior.

Nutrition

Keywords: spinach garlic meatballs, mozzarella stuffed meatballs, Italian meatballs, party appetizers, easy dinner, gluten free meatballs

Find it online: https://homemademealz.com/spinach-garlic-meatballs-stuffed-with-mozzarella/