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- 1 pound ground beef or turkey - 1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped - 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 large egg - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - 1 cup marinara sauce (for serving) - Fresh basil, for garnish The ingredients are simple but pack a big flavor punch. Ground beef or turkey forms the base of the meatballs. I love using ground turkey for a lighter option. Next, add fresh spinach to sneak in some greens. It gives the meatballs a lovely color and taste. Mozzarella cheese adds creaminess and a nice stretch when you bite in. Garlic gives them a punchy flavor. For binding, I use breadcrumbs and an egg. These help the meatballs hold their shape. Parmesan cheese adds depth and savory notes. I always sprinkle in some dried oregano for that classic Italian taste. When it comes to seasoning, salt and black pepper are key. They bring out all the flavors. If you want a little kick, add red pepper flakes. The optional marinara sauce is perfect for serving. It adds moisture and extra flavor. To finish, I like to garnish with fresh basil for a pop of color and freshness. Check out the Full Recipe for all the steps to make these tasty meatballs! - Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). - Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. - Combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl. - Mix until just combined and form into 1.5-inch meatballs. To make the meatballs, start by gathering your fresh ingredients like spinach and garlic. You want to chop the spinach finely so it blends well. The garlic should be minced for a strong flavor. In a big bowl, add the ground meat, cheese, and other ingredients. Using your hands, mix everything gently. Don't mix too much; you want your meatballs to stay soft and juicy. - Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. - Serve in marinara sauce with basil garnish. Once your meatballs are formed, place them on the lined baking sheet. Bake them in your preheated oven. You will know they are done when they turn golden brown and smell amazing. While they bake, heat up your marinara sauce on low heat. Once the meatballs are ready, add them to the sauce. Let them simmer together for a few minutes. This step enhances all those delicious flavors. You can find the full recipe details above! Enjoy your meal! When you mix your meatball ingredients, do it gently. You want to blend them just enough to combine. If you overmix, your meatballs can become tough. Remember, a light touch keeps them tender and juicy. To ensure your meatballs are safe to eat, use a meat thermometer. Cook them until they reach 165°F (74°C). This is the best way to check if they are done. Overcooking can make them dry, so keep an eye on the time. For a beautiful plate, serve your meatballs with extra marinara sauce drizzled on top. Add fresh basil for a pop of color. This not only looks great but also adds flavor. It makes the dish inviting and tasty. For the full recipe, check out the Spinach Garlic Mozzarella Meatballs section above! {{image_2}} You can change the meat in this recipe. Ground turkey or chicken makes a lighter meatball. These options are tasty and lower in fat. They also keep the meatballs moist. Just use the same amount as the beef. You will still enjoy great flavors. Feel free to swap the cheese. Provolone or cheddar adds a new twist. Provolone gives a nice, creamy texture. Cheddar offers a sharp, tangy taste. Both options work well with the spinach and garlic. Try them out to see what you like best. If you want a meat-free dish, lentils or plant-based meat work great. Cooked lentils give a hearty texture. Plant-based meat mimics the taste of beef. Use the same amount as the ground meat. These choices keep the recipe healthy and delicious. You can find the full recipe above to guide you through these tasty variations. After a tasty meal, you might have leftovers. Store them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. This way, you can enjoy them again without losing flavor. Want to save some for later? Freeze the cooked meatballs. They can last in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you are ready to eat, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight. When it’s time to enjoy your meatballs again, reheat them. You can use the oven or the microwave. If they seem a bit dry, add extra sauce for moisture. This keeps them delicious and juicy, just like when they were fresh! Yes, you can prep and refrigerate or freeze for later use. This saves time on busy days. Simply mix your meatball ingredients and form them. Place them in a container or a zip-top bag. If freezing, make sure to label it with the date. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready, just bake them from frozen or thaw in the fridge overnight. Serve with pasta, a salad, or garlic bread. Pasta pairs well with the meatballs and marinara sauce. A fresh salad adds a nice crunch and balances the meal. Garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce. You can also try serving them in a sub for a tasty meatball sandwich. Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the mix. You can start with half a teaspoon of red pepper flakes. If you want more heat, increase it to one teaspoon. Hot sauce can also add flavor and spice. A little goes a long way, so add it gradually to get your perfect level of heat. Ensure not to overmix and check the bake time regularly. Overmixing can make the meatballs tough. Mix until the ingredients are just combined. Also, keep an eye on your oven. Cooking them for too long can dry them out. Aim for a golden brown color, and use a meat thermometer to check if they reach 165°F (74°C). For the full recipe, check out the Spinach Garlic Mozzarella Meatballs section. These spinach garlic mozzarella meatballs are tasty and easy to make. You learned about the main ingredients needed, how to form and bake them, and tips for the best results. Variations like using different meats or making them vegetarian add fun twists. You can also enjoy them with various sides. By storing and reheating properly, you’ll keep them delicious longer. Try these meatballs, and enjoy a satisfying meal!

Spinach Garlic Mozzarella Meatballs

Discover the ultimate recipe for Spinach Garlic Mozzarella Meatballs that are both tasty and simple to make! This dish combines juicy meat with fresh spinach and gooey mozzarella, perfect for family dinners or meal prep. With easy instructions and helpful tips, you can whip up these delicious meatballs in no time. Ready to impress at the dinner table? Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your cooking today!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound ground beef or turkey

1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped

1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

4 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 cup breadcrumbs

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 large egg

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

1 cup marinara sauce (for serving)

Fresh basil, for garnish

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, chopped spinach, shredded mozzarella, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, egg, oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).

      Use your hands to mix all the ingredients until just combined; do not overmix to keep the meatballs tender.

        Once mixed, form the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spaced evenly apart.

          Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and golden brown on the outside.

            While the meatballs are baking, heat the marinara sauce in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally.

              Once the meatballs are cooked, remove them from the oven and add them to the heated marinara sauce, allowing them to simmer for a few minutes to soak up the flavors.

                Serve the meatballs garnished with fresh basil and a sprinkle of additional Parmesan cheese if desired.

                  Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve the meatballs in a shallow bowl or on a platter with extra marinara sauce drizzled around, garnished with fresh basil for a pop of color!