Spinach Garlic Meatballs Recipe Everyone Will Love Recipe

Introduction

These Spinach Garlic Meatballs are a delicious twist on a classic favorite, bursting with fresh flavors and gooey mozzarella centers. Perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining, they combine savory meat, tender spinach, and aromatic garlic for a crowd-pleasing dish.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef or turkey (lean turkey can be substituted)
• 2 cups fresh spinach, sautéed
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped (optional)
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (or oats/almond flour)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 8 oz low-moisture mozzarella cubes, chilled
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1 tbsp chopped parsley (optional, for freshness)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Sauté the spinach and minced garlic in a skillet over medium heat until the spinach is wilted, about 3-4 minutes. Let cool, then finely chop.
2. Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, sautéed spinach, and optional onion, red pepper flakes, and parsley. Stir gently until just mixed—avoid overmixing for tender meatballs.
3. Step 3: Form the meat mixture around each chilled mozzarella cube, sealing the cheese completely inside to avoid leaks during cooking.
4. Step 4: Choose your cooking method: bake the meatballs at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, or pan-sear in oil over medium-high heat for 6-8 minutes on each side until cooked through and browned.
5. Step 5: For extra flavor, optionally simmer the cooked meatballs in warm marinara sauce for 5-10 minutes before serving.
6. Step 6: Let the meatballs rest for 5 minutes after cooking to retain their juiciness before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use chilled mozzarella cubes to prevent cheese from leaking out during cooking.
• Try almond flour instead of breadcrumbs for a gluten-free option.
• Adding red pepper flakes gives a pleasant heat—adjust to your spice preference.
• For a fresher taste, stir in chopped parsley or basil right before cooking.

Storage

Store cooked meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave to avoid drying out. Uncooked meatballs can be frozen on a baking sheet, then transferred to a freezer bag for up to 3 months; cook from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to baking time.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use turkey instead of beef?

Yes, lean turkey works great as a substitute for ground beef and results in a lighter but equally flavorful meatball.

How do I keep the mozzarella from leaking out?

Make sure the mozzarella cubes are well chilled and completely encased by the meat mixture before cooking. Avoid overhandling the meat to keep the texture intact.

Spinach Garlic Meatballs Recipe Everyone Will Love Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 128 reviews

These Spinach Garlic Meatballs are packed with savory ground beef or turkey, fresh sautéed spinach, and melted mozzarella cheese at the center. Enhanced with garlic, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan, they offer a delightful burst of flavors and textures that everyone will love. Perfect for a hearty appetizer or main dish, they can be baked or pan-seared and optionally simmered in marinara sauce for extra richness.

• Author: Isla
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 8–10 meatballs 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Meatballs

• 1 lb Ground Beef or Turkey (lean turkey can be substituted)
• 2 cups Fresh Spinach, sautéed
• 4 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 small Onion, finely chopped (optional)
• 1 large Egg
• 1 cup Breadcrumbs (oats or almond flour can be used)
• 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
• 8 oz Low-Moisture Mozzarella Cubes, chilled
• 1 tbsp Italian Seasoning
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

Optional Enhancements

• 1/2 tsp Red Pepper Flakes
• 1 tbsp Chopped Parsley

Instructions

1. Sauté Spinach and Garlic: Heat a skillet over medium heat and sauté the fresh spinach and minced garlic until the spinach is wilted, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool, then finely chop the spinach mixture.
2. Mix Meatball Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef or turkey, egg, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and the cooled chopped spinach and garlic. Stir gently until just mixed to avoid tough meatballs.
3. Form Meatballs: Take chilled mozzarella cubes and fully encase each one with the meat mixture, ensuring the cheese is completely sealed inside and no gaps remain.
4. Cook the Meatballs: Choose one cooking method: bake the meatballs on a baking sheet at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, or pan-sear them in a skillet with some oil over medium-high heat for 6-8 minutes on each side until browned and cooked through.
5. Optional Simmer: For added flavor, simmer the cooked meatballs in warm marinara sauce for 5-10 minutes before serving, allowing the flavors to meld.
6. Rest: Let the meatballs rest for 5 minutes after cooking to retain their juiciness before serving.

Notes

• Use chilled mozzarella cubes to prevent cheese leakage during cooking.
• Avoid overmixing the meat mixture to keep the meatballs tender.
• Optional simmer in marinara sauce adds extra flavor and moisture.
• You can substitute ground beef with lean ground turkey for a lighter option.
• Breadcrumb alternatives such as oats or almond flour work well for gluten sensitivity.

Keywords: Spinach meatballs, garlic meatballs, stuffed meatballs, mozzarella meatballs, Italian meatballs, savory appetizers