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Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed with Mozzarella – Easy & Cheesy

Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed with Mozzarella
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Ingredients

Scale

For the Meatballs

  • 1 1/2pounds (680 g) ground beef
  • 1 cupfresh spinach, finely chopped
  • 3cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cupbreadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cupgrated Parmesan cheese
  • 1large egg
  • 1/4 cupmilk
  • 1 teaspoonItalian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoononion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoonpaprika
  • 3/4 teaspoonsalt
  • 1/2 teaspoonblack pepper
  • 2 tablespoonschopped fresh parsley

For the Mozzarella Filling

  • 4 ounces(115 g) mozzarella cheese, cut into 16 small cubes
  • 1 tablespoonolive oil, for brushing

Optional Marinara Sauce

  • 2 cupsmarinara sauce
  • 1clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoonolive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoonItalian seasoning
  • Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil.

  1. Prepare the spinach.Wash the spinach, chop it finely, and pat it dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture helps keep the meatball mixture firm and prevents the meatballs from becoming soggy.
  2. Mix the meatball ingredients.In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped spinach, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, milk, Italian seasoning, onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and parsley. Mix gently with your hands until the ingredients are evenly distributed. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the meatballs dense.
  3. Shape the meatballs.Divide the mixture into approximately 16 equal portions. Flatten each portion slightly in your palm and place one mozzarella cube in the center.
  4. Seal in the cheese.Carefully wrap the meat mixture around each mozzarella cube. Pinch the edges together and roll gently into a smooth ball, making sure the cheese is completely enclosed. This helps prevent the filling from leaking during cooking.
  5. Arrange for baking.Place the stuffed meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one. Lightly brush or drizzle the tops with olive oil to encourage browning.
  6. Bake until cooked through.Bake for 18–25 minutes, depending on the size of the meatballs. Ground beef meatballs should reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). Avoid cutting them open too early, as the melted mozzarella may escape.
  7. Prepare the optional sauce.While the meatballs bake, heat the olive oil in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds. Stir in the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning, then simmer for 5–7 minutes.
  8. Serve with sauce.Spoon the warm marinara sauce onto a serving plate and arrange the meatballs on top, or gently toss them in the sauce. Finish with fresh basil, parsley, or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
  9. Enjoy while warm.Serve these cheesy meatballs with spaghetti, creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or crusty garlic bread for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Find it online:https://www.cookwam.com/spinach-garlic-meatballs-stuffed-with-mozzarella-2/