why make this recipe
This recipe makes tasty, small meatballs with spinach and garlic. They cook fast in the oven and have melty mozzarella inside. They work for a quick weeknight meal or a simple party snack. If you like simple sides, try an easy salad like this easy Caesar salad you’ll love making with them.
introduction
Easy Spinach Garlic Meatballs are quick to mix and bake. The spinach adds color and a mild taste. Garlic gives them a warm flavor. The mozzarella inside melts and makes each bite soft and cheesy. These meatballs use common ingredients and little fuss. For a warm, filling side, consider pairing with a hearty dish like this easy cowboy casserole.
how to make Easy Spinach Garlic Meatballs
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, add ground beef or turkey, garlic, onion, parsley, chopped spinach, egg, Italian seasoning, pepper, red pepper flakes, salt, and breadcrumbs.
- Mix well until all ingredients come together. You can use your hands to mix gently.
- Form the mixture into meatballs about 1 inch wide.
- Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Press a small cube of mozzarella into the center of each meatball, then close and roll to seal.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, until meatballs are cooked through and browned.
- Remove from oven and sprinkle with parmesan cheese before serving.
Ingredients :
- 1 lb Ground beef or turkey
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 small Onion, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp Parsley, chopped
- 2 cups Fresh Spinach, chopped
- 1 large Egg
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- Pepper to taste
- 1/2 tsp Red pepper flakes
- Salt to taste
- 1 cup Breadcrumbs
- 8 oz Low moisture mozzarella, cubed
- 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
Directions :
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large bowl, combine ground beef or turkey, garlic, onion, parsley, spinach, egg, Italian seasoning, pepper, red pepper flakes, salt, and breadcrumbs. Mix well until all ingredients are combined. Form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Press a small cube of mozzarella into the center of each meatball. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the meatballs are cooked through and browned. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with parmesan cheese before serving.
how to serve Easy Spinach Garlic Meatballs
Serve hot on a plate as a main or as an appetizer. They go well with bread, rice, or pasta. For a fun snack table, place toothpicks in each meatball. You can also serve them over a bed of simple greens. For a playful party idea, serve alongside warm stuffed bites like pepperoni pizza bombs.
how to store Easy Spinach Garlic Meatballs
Cool the meatballs to room temperature for no more than two hours. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To freeze, place meatballs on a tray and freeze until solid, then move to a freezer bag. They keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot, or microwave in short bursts.
tips to make Easy Spinach Garlic Meatballs
- Chop the spinach small so it mixes well and cooks inside.
- Do not overmix the meat; mix until just combined to keep meatballs tender.
- Use low moisture mozzarella cubes for best melting without extra liquid.
- If the mix feels too wet, add a little more breadcrumbs. If too dry, add a splash of milk or one more egg.
- For even cooking, make meatballs the same size.
- You can brown them quickly in a hot pan before baking for extra color.
variation (if any)
- Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Add a spoon of chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy twist.
- Mix in a little shredded cheddar instead of mozzarella for different cheese flavor.
- Make them spicy by increasing red pepper flakes or adding a dash of hot sauce.
- For a low-carb version, substitute almond flour for breadcrumbs.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen spinach?
A: Yes. Thaw and squeeze out extra water before mixing so the meat stays firm.
Q: Can I make these without cheese inside?
A: Yes. You can skip the mozzarella and still have tasty meatballs. Add a little extra Parmesan on top.
Q: How do I know when they are done?
A: Meatballs are done when the inside is no longer pink and the juices run clear. A meat thermometer should read 165°F (74°C) for poultry, 160°F (71°C) for beef.
Q: Can I cook them on the stove instead of baking?
A: Yes. Brown in a skillet, then cover and cook on low until done. This may change the cook time.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Yes. Use a larger bowl and bake in batches on multiple baking sheets.
Conclusion
These meatballs are simple, cheesy, and full of flavor. For more ideas and a stuffed version, see Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed with Mozzarella – NorthEast Nosh. If you want a pasta pairing idea, try Garlic Olive Oil Pasta with Meatballs and Spinach – Courtney’s Sweets for a light, garlicky pasta to serve with these meatballs.
Print
Easy Spinach Garlic Meatballs
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
Quick and cheesy meatballs filled with melty mozzarella, perfect for weeknight dinners or parties.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground beef or turkey
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 small Onion, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp Parsley, chopped
- 2 cups Fresh Spinach, chopped
- 1 large Egg
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- Pert to taste
- 1/2 tsp Red pepper flakes
- Salt to taste
- 1 cup Breadcrumbs
- 8 oz Low moisture mozzarella, cubed
- 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, add ground beef or turkey, garlic, onion, parsley, chopped spinach, egg, Italian seasoning, pepper, red pepper flakes, salt, and breadcrumbs.
- Mix well until all ingredients come together. You can use your hands to mix gently.
- Form the mixture into meatballs about 1 inch wide.
- Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Press a small cube of mozzarella into the center of each meatball, then close and roll to seal.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, until meatballs are cooked through and browned.
- Remove from oven and sprinkle with parmesan cheese before serving.
Notes
Chop the spinach small for even mixing and cook. Use low moisture mozzarella for best melting and avoid excess liquid. For a lighter option, substitute ground turkey or chicken.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: meatballs, spinach, garlic, mozzarella, quick dinner, easy recipe