Spinach Garlic Meatballs are a delicious and comforting dish that combines juicy ground meat with fragrant garlic, tender spinach, and a rich cheesy center. These meatballs are perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or even as an elegant appetizer. Packed with flavor and easy to prepare, they are a great way to add greens to a classic comfort food.
Why You’ll Love Spinach Garlic Meatballs
- Soft and juicy texture
- Rich garlic and herb flavor
- A hidden melted cheese center
- Easy to bake or pan-cook
- Perfect with pasta, rice, or vegetables
Ingredients
- 500 g (1 lb) ground beef or ground turkey
- 2 cups fresh spinach, finely chopped
- 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 egg
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 100 g mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Spinach
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the spinach and cook until fully wilted.
Remove from heat, let cool slightly, then finely chop.
Step 2: Make the Meatball Mixture
In a large bowl, combine:
- Ground meat
- Cooked spinach and garlic
- Egg
- Breadcrumbs
- Parmesan cheese
- Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper
Mix gently until just combined. Do not overmix to keep the meatballs tender.
Step 3: Form and Stuff the Meatballs
Take a small portion of the mixture and flatten it in your palm.
Place a cube of mozzarella in the center.
Wrap the meat around the cheese and roll into a smooth ball.
Repeat until all the mixture is used.
Step 4: Cook the Meatballs
Option 1 – Baking:
Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F).
Place the meatballs on a lined baking tray.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, until golden and fully cooked.
Option 2 – Pan-Cooking:
Heat the remaining olive oil in a skillet.
Cook the meatballs over medium heat, turning gently, until browned on all sides and cooked through.
Step 5: Serve
Serve hot while the cheese is still melted inside.
They can be enjoyed plain or with a light tomato sauce.
Serving Ideas
- With spaghetti or any pasta
- Over rice or mashed potatoes
- With roasted vegetables
- As an appetizer with dipping sauce
Storage Tips
- Refrigerate cooked meatballs for up to 3 days
- Freeze uncooked meatballs for up to 2 months
- Reheat gently to keep them juicy