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Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed With Mozzarella Recipe

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  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings (about 16 meatballs)
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Description

These Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed With Mozzarella are a deliciously juicy and flavorful appetizer or main dish. Tender ground meatballs are infused with fresh spinach and garlic, then stuffed with melted mozzarella cheese for a gooey, cheesy surprise inside. Perfectly baked or pan-fried until golden, these meatballs offer a savory bite that’s great for family dinners, parties, or meal prep.

Ingredients

Meatball Mixture

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

Stuffing

  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes

For Cooking

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (if pan-frying)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, chopped spinach, minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, salt, pepper, and oregano. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
  2. Stuff the Meatballs: Take a small portion of meat mixture and flatten it in the palm of your hand. Place a cube of mozzarella cheese in the center, then carefully shape the meat around the cheese to form a ball, ensuring the cheese is fully enclosed. Repeat with the remaining mixture and cheese cubes.
  3. Cook the Meatballs: You can choose to bake or pan-fry the meatballs. To bake, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and place meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper; bake for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through and browned. To pan-fry, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook meatballs for about 8-10 minutes, turning frequently until golden brown and cooked through.
  4. Serve: Once cooked, remove meatballs from oven or skillet and let rest for a few minutes. Serve warm as an appetizer or with your favorite sauce and side dishes for a complete meal.

Notes

  • Make sure to seal the cheese well inside the meatballs to prevent it from leaking out during cooking.
  • You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
  • Fresh spinach can be replaced with frozen spinach, just be sure to thaw and thoroughly drain it before mixing.
  • Baking is a healthier cooking method, but pan-frying gives a crispier exterior.
  • Leftover meatballs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.

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