Name: Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed with Mozzarella Magic
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken); 1 cup mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes; 1 cup fresh spinach (or thawed, well-drained frozen spinach); 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (regular or gluten-free); 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional); 1 large egg; 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided; Salt and black pepper, to taste

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken)

1 cup mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes

1 cup fresh spinach (or thawed, well-drained frozen spinach)

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 cup breadcrumbs (regular or gluten-free)

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional)

1 large egg

2 tablespoons olive oil, divided

Salt and black pepper, to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Add spinach and sauté for 2–3 minutes until wilted. Let cool.
In a large bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, parsley, egg, salt, and pepper. Add cooled spinach and garlic, and mix gently until just combined.
Take a spoonful of the mixture, flatten in your palm, place a cube of mozzarella in the center, and wrap the meat around it. Roll into a ball. Repeat with remaining mixture.
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear meatballs 2–3 minutes per side until browned.
Transfer to a preheated 400°F oven and bake 18–20 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Let rest a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

Notes

Turkey Twist: Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.

Cheese Swap: Substitute mozzarella with cheddar, gouda, or fontina.

Herb Infusion: Add basil, oregano, or thyme to the meat mixture.

Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños.

Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs.

Veggie Boost: Mix in finely chopped mushrooms or bell peppers.

Baked Version: Skip stovetop searing and bake directly at 400°F for 20–25 minutes.

Meatball Bake: Layer cooked meatballs in marinara sauce with extra cheese and bake until bubbly.

Author: Chloe Mae
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dinner/Main
Method: Sauté and Bake
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 3 meatballs
Calories: 320
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 450mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 13g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 8g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 24g
Cholesterol: 95mg