Spinach Garlic Meatballs Recipe Everyone Will Love Recipe
These Spinach Garlic Meatballs combine juicy ground beef or turkey with fresh spinach, garlic, and a blend of Italian seasonings, perfectly baked to a golden brown and stuffed with melted mozzarella cheese. Ideal as a comforting appetizer, main course, or party snack, these meatballs are flavorful, healthy, and sure to please everyone at the table.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 20 meatballs
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
- 1 lb Ground Beef or Turkey (lean turkey can be used as a substitute)
- 2 cups Fresh Spinach, sautéed
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 small Onion, finely chopped (optional)
- 1 large Egg
- 1 cup Breadcrumbs (can substitute with oats or almond flour)
- 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 for heat
- 1 tbsp Chopped Parsley for freshness
Instructions
- Prepare the Spinach: Sauté the fresh spinach in a pan over medium heat until wilted and most of the moisture evaporates. Let it cool slightly, then chop finely to incorporate easily into the meat mixture.
- Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, add the ground beef or turkey, sautéed spinach, minced garlic, finely chopped onion (if using), egg, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. If using, add red pepper flakes and chopped parsley. Mix everything thoroughly until evenly combined.
- Form Meatballs: Take a small amount of the meat mixture and flatten it in your palm, place a chilled mozzarella cube in the center, then wrap the meat around it to form a ball. Ensure the mozzarella is fully enclosed to prevent leakage during cooking. Repeat until all mixture is used.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Bake the Meatballs: Place the meatballs evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for about 18-22 minutes or until meatballs are cooked through, browned on the outside, and mozzarella inside is melted.
- Serve: Once baked, remove from the oven and let the meatballs rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with extra chopped parsley if desired and enjoy as a snack or with your favorite side dishes.
Notes
- For a healthier option, use lean ground turkey instead of beef.
- Chilling the mozzarella cubes helps prevent them from leaking out during baking.
- You can substitute breadcrumbs with oats or almond flour to make it gluten-free.
- Adjust the heat by adding or omitting red pepper flakes according to preference.
- These meatballs can be cooked in an air fryer at 375°F for 15-18 minutes, turning halfway for even cooking.
