Spinach Garlic Meatballs (Print)

Tender meatballs infused with spinach, garlic, and mozzarella offer a flavorful and satisfying meal.

# What You'll Need:

→ Meatballs

01 - 1 lb ground beef or turkey
02 - 2 cups fresh spinach, sautéed and finely chopped
03 - 4 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
05 - 1 large egg
06 - 1 cup breadcrumbs
07 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
08 - 8 oz low-moisture mozzarella, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
09 - 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
10 - Salt to taste
11 - Black pepper to taste

→ Optional Enhancements

12 - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
13 - 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F or prepare a skillet for pan-searing.
02 - Heat a skillet over medium heat. Sauté spinach and half the minced garlic until spinach wilts, approximately 3 to 4 minutes. Cool completely, then finely chop.
03 - In a large mixing bowl, combine ground meat, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, remaining garlic, onion, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and chopped spinach. Mix gently until just combined; avoid overmixing.
04 - With damp hands, take approximately 2 tablespoons of mixture and flatten. Place a mozzarella cube in the center, then shape the meat around the cheese, sealing completely. Repeat with remaining mixture and cheese.
05 - Place meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
06 - Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until browned and cooked through, or pan-sear in oil over medium-high heat for 6 to 8 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
07 - Simmer cooked meatballs in warm marinara sauce for 5 to 10 minutes for enhanced flavor.
08 - Let meatballs rest for 5 minutes before serving to retain juiciness.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The surprise mozzarella center creates an impressive presentation with minimal effort
  • Spinach adds nutrition without sacrificing flavor - perfect for picky eaters
  • Versatile enough for weeknight dinners or special occasions
  • Can be prepared ahead and frozen for quick meals later
  • Works equally well with beef or turkey for dietary flexibility
02 -
  • Use chilled mozzarella cubes to reduce cheese leakage during cooking
  • Test one meatball first to ensure your sealing technique prevents cheese from escaping
  • For meal prep, form and freeze raw meatballs on a tray, then transfer to freezer bags once solid
  • When cooking from frozen, add 5-7 minutes to the baking time
  • Leftover meatballs make excellent sandwich fillings the next day
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