Spinach & Garlic Meatballs Stuffed with Mozzarella
Have you ever wondered how to elevate your weeknight dinners with a dish that’s not only delicious but also packed with hidden nutrients? Picture this: flavorful meatballs made with ground beef, fresh spinach, and garlic, each hiding a melted mozzarella center—perfect with marinara or over pasta. That’s exactly what these Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed with Mozzarella deliver! This recipe not only tantalizes your taste buds but also sneaks in some greens in a delicious way.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped (or substitute with kale)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (whole wheat or gluten-free)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Marinara Sauce:
- 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Timing
Preparing these mouthwatering meatballs takes about 20 minutes, and with a cooking time of 30 minutes, you’ll have a delicious meal ready in just 50 minutes. Intriguingly, that’s 20% less time than the average meatball recipe, making these Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed with Mozzarella a quick and rewarding culinary adventure!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures a golden brown exterior for your meatballs.
Step 2: Prepare the Mixture
In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, chopped spinach, minced garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly, but not too aggressively—keep things tender!
Step 3: Form the Meatballs
With your hands, scoop about 2 tablespoons of the meat mixture and flatten it in your palm. Place a cube of mozzarella in the center and wrap the meat around it to form a ball. Repeat until all the mixture is used.
Step 4: Sear the Meatballs
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs in batches, searing until browned on all sides (about 4-5 minutes). This step adds a delicious caramelized flavor to your dish.
Step 5: Bake
Transfer the browned meatballs to a baking dish. Pour marinara sauce over the top and bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes until the meat is cooked through and the cheese is gooey.
Step 6: Serve
Once baked, let them cool slightly and garnish with fresh basil if desired. Serve your Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed with Mozzarella with spaghetti, zoodles, or even as a standalone appetizer.
Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed with Mozzarella
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Skillet
- Oven
- Baking Dish
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup fresh spinach finely chopped, or substitute with kale
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs whole wheat or gluten-free
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 ounces mozzarella cheese cut into small cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Marinara Sauce
- 2 cups marinara sauce store-bought or homemade
- fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures a golden brown exterior for your meatballs.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, chopped spinach, minced garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly, but not too aggressively—keep things tender!
- With your hands, scoop about 2 tablespoons of the meat mixture and flatten it in your palm. Place a cube of mozzarella in the center and wrap the meat around it to form a ball. Repeat until all the mixture is used.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs in batches, searing until browned on all sides (about 4-5 minutes).
- Transfer the browned meatballs to a baking dish. Pour marinara sauce over the top and bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes until the meat is cooked through and the cheese is gooey.
- Once baked, let them cool slightly and garnish with fresh basil if desired. Serve with spaghetti, zoodles, or as a standalone appetizer.
Notes
Nutritional Information
Each serving (2 meatballs) contains approximately:
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Fat: 28g
Incorporating fresh spinach not only enhances the flavor but also brings in beneficial vitamins like A, C, and K. This dish provides a nutritious way to enjoy comfort food without compromising health.
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
If you’re looking for modifications:
- Replace ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Use whole grain breadcrumbs or crushed oats to increase fiber content.
- Consider nut cheese or cashew cream for a dairy-free alternative to mozzarella.
Serving Suggestions
These savory meatballs shine when served over pasta or zoodles, but there are countless ways to enjoy them. Try them as sliders on whole grain buns, or serve them on skewers with veggies for a fun appetizer. Paired with a crisp salad, they transform into a wholesome meal!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing the meat: This can lead to tough meatballs. Mix gently.
- Skipping the searing step: This browns the meatballs and adds flavor—don’t skip it!
- Using pre-shredded cheese: Fresh mozzarella melts better and delivers a creamier texture.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
Leftover meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer preservation, freeze them after cooking. When reheating, a quick blast in the microwave or a few minutes in a hot oven can help to maintain their texture and flavor.
Conclusion
In summary, these Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed with Mozzarella are a delightful meal bursting with flavor, nutrition, and hidden surprises. Affordable, quick, and satisfying—the perfect dish for family dinners or entertaining. Why not give this recipe a try this week? We’d love to hear your feedback and see how your meatballs turned out!
FAQs
Q: Can I prepare the meatballs ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can assemble the meatballs and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking.
Q: What if I don’t have fresh spinach?
A: You can use frozen spinach—just make sure to thaw and squeeze out excess moisture.
Q: Can these be made gluten-free?
A: Yes! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and make sure your marinara sauce is gluten-free as well.
Embrace the joy of cooking and the satisfaction of homemade meals with these delectable meatballs!
