Description
Imagine the juiciest meatballs you’ve ever had—tender, garlicky, packed with fresh spinach for a pop of green, and surprise: every single one has a gooey mozzarella center that melts in your mouth. These meatballs aren’t just dinner—they’re the main event. Serve them with pasta, tuck them into subs, or just pop them like savory snacks (we won’t judge).
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
– 1½ lbs ground chicken or ground turkey
– 1 cup finely chopped fresh spinach (sautéed & squeezed dry)
– ½ cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
– 1 large egg
– 3 garlic cloves, minced
– ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tsp salt
– ½ tsp black pepper
– 1 tsp Italian seasoning
– ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
– 1 tbsp olive oil (for added moisture)
For the Stuffing:
– ~20 small cubes of mozzarella (½” cubes – string cheese works great too!)
Optional for Serving:
– Warm marinara sauce
– Fresh basil or parsley
– Extra parm for sprinkling
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven
Set it to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Step 2: Mix the meatball base
In a big bowl, combine ground chicken, cooked spinach, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, Parmesan, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Don’t overmix—just enough to bring it all together.
Step 3: Form and stuff
Scoop about 2 tablespoons of mixture and flatten it slightly in your hand. Place a cube of mozzarella in the center, then wrap the meat around it to seal completely. Roll gently into a ball and set it on your baking sheet. Repeat until you’ve used all the mixture.
Step 4: Bake it up
Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until golden on the outside and the meat is cooked through (internal temp should hit 165°F/74°C). If you want a slightly crispier finish, broil them for the last 2 minutes.
Step 5: Sauce + serve
Warm up some marinara and either toss the meatballs in it or serve it on the side. Sprinkle with extra parm, maybe a few fresh herbs, and dive in.
Notes
– Toss with spaghetti or linguine for a next-level pasta night
– Tuck into toasted hoagie rolls for melty meatball subs
– Serve solo with toothpicks for the ultimate party snack
– Or layer onto a bed of creamy polenta for comfort food vibes
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: ~340 kcal per serving
- Fat: ~18g
- Carbohydrates: ~10g
- Protein: ~28g