What’s “Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed with Mozzarella”?
Spinach and Garlic Meatballs Stuffed with Mozzarella are a perfect blend of savory flavors and nutritious ingredients, making them a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. The combination of tender meat, aromatic garlic, and the added goodness of spinach creates a satisfying dish, while the gooey mozzarella center provides a delightful surprise in every bite. Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner or preparing a simple weekday meal, these meatballs are sure to impress. They offer a delicious balance of meaty goodness, wholesome spinach, and indulgent cheese, making them not only flavorful but also packed with nutrients for a wholesome meal the whole family will enjoy.
Why are these Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed with Mozzarella?
You will fall head over heels for Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed with Mozzarella simply because:
- Melt-in-your-mouth mozzarella: Each bite offers a rich, gooey mozzarella center that lifts the flavor to the next level.
- Healthy and tasty: Spinach provides a nutritious touch, while garlic and herbs infuse the meatballs with incredible flavor.
- Perfect for all occasions: These meatballs are versatile, whether served with pasta, as appetizers or as bite-sized portions, making them ideal for any meal.
Ingredients for these Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed with Mozzarella:
- For the meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef.
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced.
- 1 egg.
- ½ cup breadcrumbs.
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated.
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning.
- 1 tsp salt.
- ½ tsp black pepper.
- 12 small mozzarella balls.
- 2 tbsp olive oil.
- For the sauce (optional):
- 2 cups marinara sauce.
- Fresh basil for garnish.
How to make these Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed with Mozzarella?
Step 1: Prepare meatball mixture
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, spinach, garlic, dry bread crumbs, egg, Parmesan, salt and pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly distributed.
Step 2: Form and stuff meatballs
Take a small quantity of the meat mixture and press it down in your hand. Place a cube of mozzarella in the middle and wrap the meat shape around it to form a ball. Make sure the cheese is completely sealed inside to prevent leakage during cooking.
Step 3: Cook the meatballs
You can choose between baking and frying:
- Baking: Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F). Place meatballs on a lined baking sheet and bake for about 20 minutes or until nicely cooked and golden brown.
- Frying: Heat the oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Fry meatballs, turning occasionally, for about 10 to 12 minutes, or until browned on all sides and cooked through.
Step 4: Serve
Serve the meatballs on their very own as an appetizer, or with pasta and marinara sauce for a rich main course. They also go perfectly with garlic bread or roasted vegetables.
Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips for the perfect Monkey Bread:
- Seal the meatballs properly: Make sure the meat fully covers the mozzarella to prevent any cheese from leaking out during cooking.
- Make them your own: Add herbs like basil or oregano to the meat mixture for extra flavor, or try different cheeses like cheddar or gouda for a touch of fantasy.
- Healthier option: For a lighter version, replace ground beef with ground turkey or chicken.
Pairing ideas:
These stuffed meatballs are perfect with a wide variety of side dishes including:
- Pasta: Serve the meatballs with marinara sauce over spaghetti or fettuccine for a classic combination.
- Vegetables: Roasted vegetables such as zucchini, carrots, or asparagus bring a fresh, healthy balance to the dish.
- Garlic bread: Serve with crispy garlic bread to soak up excess sauce and add a delicious crunch.
Tools:
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Spoon or Hands
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper or Aluminum Foil
- Large Skillet
- Tongs or Slotted Spoon
- Serving Plate or Dish
Enjoy your delicious Monkey Bread!
Frequently asked questions:
Q: Can I use frozen spinach?
A: Yes, but make sure to thaw and squeeze out any excess moisture before adding it to the meat mixture. This prevents the meatballs from becoming too watery.
Q: How can I store leftovers?
A: Store cooked meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave. To freeze the meatballs, do so before cooking. Place them on a tray to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for storage.
Q: Can I make these meatballs gluten-free?
A: Absolutely! Just replace the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.
Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed with Mozzarella
Notes
Ingredients:
- For the meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef.
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced.
- 1 egg.
- ½ cup breadcrumbs.
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated.
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning.
- 1 tsp salt.
- ½ tsp black pepper.
- 12 small mozzarella balls.
- 2 tbsp olive oil.
- For the sauce (optional):
- 2 cups marinara sauce.
- Fresh basil for garnish.
Instructions:
- Prepare the meatballs:
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, chopped spinach, minced garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper until well blended.
- Divide into 12 equal portions. Gently flatten each portion, place a ball of mozzarella (or cube) in the middle and form a ball around the meat, sealing it completely.
- Cook meatballs:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook, flipping occasionally, for about 8-10 minutes, until golden brown on all sides and fully cooked.
- You can also bake the meatballs at 375°F (190°C) for 20 to 25 minutes on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Prepare sauce (optional):
- In a saucepan, heat marinara sauce over low heat and simmer for 5 minutes until heated through.
- Add the cooked meatballs to the sauce and simmer for a few minutes to soak up the flavors.
- Serve:
- Serve the meatballs hot, garnished with fresh basil, over pasta, rice, or as a single dish with marinara sauce on the side.
