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Spinach Garlic Meatballs stuffed with mozzarella cheese, served in marinara sauce and garnished with fresh basil.

Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed with Mozzarella

Juicy, flavorful meatballs infused with spinach and garlic, and stuffed with gooey mozzarella cheese. Perfect served with pasta, marinara, or as an irresistible appetizer.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 16 meatballs
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 210
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Meatball Mixture
  • 1 lb ground beef or a mix of beef and pork
  • 1 cup fresh spinach chopped and sautéed
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs plain or Italian-style
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 egg lightly beaten
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
Filling
  • 8 oz mozzarella cheese cut into 1/2-inch cubes
Cooking
  • 2 tbsp olive oil for browning
  • marinara sauce for serving

Equipment

  • Baking Sheet
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Skillet

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped spinach and minced garlic; sauté until wilted and fragrant. Let cool slightly.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, spinach-garlic mixture, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
  4. Take a small amount of meat mixture and flatten it in your palm. Place a cube of mozzarella in the center, then wrap the meat around it to form a ball. Repeat with remaining mixture.
  5. Arrange meatballs on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until browned and cooked through.
  6. Serve hot with marinara sauce for dipping or over pasta.

Notes

For extra flavor, mix some crushed red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning into the meat mixture. These meatballs also freeze beautifully for future meals.