🧆 Spinach & Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs
📖 Description
These juicy meatballs are packed with flavor and surprise you with a melty mozzarella center. Mixed with garlic, herbs, and sautéed spinach, they’re tender on the inside with a golden crust outside. Perfect for pasta, sandwiches, or as a protein-packed snack!
🧾 Ingredients
For Meatballs:
- 500g ground chicken or beef
- 1 cup fresh spinach (chopped & sautéed)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/4 cup onion (finely chopped)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning or oregano
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional)
For Stuffing:
- 100g mozzarella cheese (cut into small cubes)
For Cooking:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup tomato sauce (optional, for serving)
👨🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Spinach
- Lightly sauté spinach until wilted
- Let it cool and squeeze out excess water
Step 2: Make Mixture
- In a bowl, combine minced meat, spinach, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, onion, and spices
- Mix well until combined
Step 3: Stuff Meatballs
- Take a small portion of mixture
- Flatten slightly, place a mozzarella cube in center
- Seal and roll into a ball
Step 4: Cook
Pan Fry Method:
- Heat oil and cook meatballs until browned on all sides and cooked through
Bake Method:
- Preheat oven to 190°C
- Bake for 20–25 minutes
Step 5: Serve
- Serve with warm tomato sauce
- Garnish with herbs or grated cheese
🍽️ Serving Ideas
- Over spaghetti or pasta
- In a sandwich or sub
- With rice or mashed potatoes
❓ Q&A
Q1: Why are my meatballs dry?
Overmixing or overcooking can dry them out.
Q2: Can I freeze them?
Yes, freeze raw or cooked for up to 1 month.
Q3: Can I make them without egg?
Use milk-soaked breadcrumbs as a binder.
Q4: How to keep cheese from leaking?
Seal meat tightly around mozzarella.
Q5: Can I air fry them?
Yes! 180°C for 12–15 minutes works great.