Ingredients
Scale
The key to this dish lies in selecting the right ingredients — fresh spinach that’s bright green, fragrant garlic, and good-quality mozzarella for that perfect melt. Growing up, my mom always emphasized the importance of freshness, and I’ve carried that lesson into my own kitchen. Using simple, wholesome ingredients that you trust makes all the difference, and it turns everyday cooking into moments worth savoring.
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
- 1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (plus 12 small mozzarella balls or cut into cubes for stuffing)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if needed)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, chopped spinach, minced garlic, shredded mozzarella, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined — avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.
- Divide the mixture into 12 equal portions. Flatten each portion into a small patty in your palm.
- Place a small mozzarella ball or cube in the center of each patty, then carefully fold the meat around it, sealing completely to encase the cheese.
- Arrange the meatballs on the baking sheet and lightly brush or drizzle with olive oil.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. You can check one meatball by cutting it open to ensure it’s no longer pink inside and the cheese is melted.
- For a crispier finish, broil the meatballs for 2-3 minutes at the end, watching carefully so they don’t burn.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
Keywords: Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed with Mozzarella, recipe, cooking, food
