Juicy Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed with Mozzarella Recipe

Savory spinach garlic meatballs packed with melted mozzarella capture the essence of comfort food.

Mediterranean-inspired ingredients dance together in this irresistible dish.

Tender meat combines seamlessly with bright green spinach and aromatic garlic.

Cheese lovers will swoon over the molten mozzarella center that bursts with each bite.

These protein-rich meatballs work perfectly as a main course or appetizer for any gathering.

Herbs and seasonings elevate the flavor profile beyond ordinary expectations.

You can impress everyone at the table with this simple yet sophisticated recipe that looks and tastes like a culinary masterpiece.

Why Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed With Mozzarella Impress

• Unleash Cheesy Goodness
• Prepare these meatballs in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknight dinners that deliver restaurant-quality flavor without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Each meatball hides a molten mozzarella center, creating a spectacular surprise when you bite into the tender, herb-infused meat, guaranteeing excited reactions from family and friends.
• Spinach-loaded meatballs provide a sneaky way to incorporate greens into a protein-rich meal, making them a smart choice for health-conscious eaters who don't want to compromise on taste.
• Serve these meatballs over pasta, in sandwiches, or as an appetizer, making them adaptable for casual family meals, game nights, or elegant dinner parties.

Ingredients You Need for Stuffed Spinach Garlic Meatballs

• Ground Meat: Rich protein source for creating hearty, tender meatballs with deep flavor profile.
• Egg: Natural binding agent that helps hold meatball mixture together smoothly.

• Mozzarella, Parmesan Cheese: Provide creamy texture and enhance overall savory taste, mozzarella creating gooey center.

• Spinach: Adds nutritional value and subtle earthy green notes to meatball mixture.
• Garlic: Introduces robust, aromatic flavor that complements meat perfectly.
• Italian Seasoning: Delivers traditional Mediterranean herb blend for authentic taste.

• Breadcrumbs: Helps absorb moisture and create consistent, tender meatball texture.

• Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings for balancing and intensifying overall flavor profile.

• Olive Oil: Ensures smooth cooking surface and adds subtle Mediterranean essence.

• Marinara Sauce: Provides additional moisture and classic Italian complementary flavor.
• Fresh Parsley: Offers bright garnish and fresh herbal accent.

How to Cook Spinach Garlic Meatballs With Mozzarella

Step 1: Mix Meat Magic

• Ground meat
• Chopped spinach
• Minced garlic
• Parmesan cheese
• Breadcrumbs
• Egg
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Pepper

Blend everything together gently, ensuring ingredients are evenly distributed without overworking the mixture.

Step 2: Create Cheesy Centers

Take a small handful of meat mixture and flatten it in your palm. Nestle a cube of mozzarella in the center, then lovingly wrap the meat around the cheese, sealing edges completely. Roll into a perfect round ball. Continue until all meat is transformed into delectable meatballs.

Step 3: Sizzle and Cook

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium flame. Carefully place meatballs into the pan, allowing each side to develop a golden-brown crust for 2-3 minutes. Reduce heat, cover the skillet, and let meatballs cook for 8-10 minutes until fully cooked through.

Step 4: Final Flavor Boost

Optional: Pour marinara sauce into the skillet, letting meatballs simmer and absorb the rich flavors for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley for a gorgeous finish.

Serve hot and watch everyone’s eyes light up with excitement!

Tips to Perfect Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed With Mozzarella

• Seal Cheese Carefully: Ensure mozzarella is completely enclosed to prevent cheese leakage during cooking, creating a perfect molten center every time.
• Avoid Overmixing Meat: Gently combine ingredients to keep meatballs tender and prevent them from becoming tough or dense when cooked.
• Control Cooking Temperature: Use medium heat to brown meatballs evenly without burning, maintaining a golden exterior and juicy interior.
• Customize Dietary Needs: Swap ground meat with turkey or plant-based alternatives for lighter versions, and use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a celiac-friendly option.
• Rest Meatballs Briefly: Let cooked meatballs sit for a few minutes after cooking to help cheese settle and prevent immediate burning when biting into them.

How to Keep Stuffed Meatballs Fresh and Delicious

• Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Wrap individual meatballs in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality and taste.
• Spread meatballs on a baking sheet, cover with foil, and warm at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until heated through. Add a splash of marinara sauce to keep them moist.
• Place meatballs on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, checking to prevent overcooking.

Flavors That Pair Well With Spinach Garlic Meatballs

• Mozzarella Spinach Meatball Companions
• Chianti or Sangiovese will complement the rich, savory meatballs with their bold fruity notes and medium tannins, cutting through the cheese's creaminess.
• Crusty garlic bread or focaccia provides the ideal texture contrast, helping soak up marinara sauce and offering a delightful crunch against the tender meatballs.
• Crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the meatballs' richness, adding bright, peppery freshness that cleanses the palate between bites.
• Al dente spaghetti or rigatoni creates a classic Italian-style plate, allowing the meatballs to shine while providing a satisfying starch component to the meal.

Flavorful Variations of Stuffed Spinach Garlic Meatballs

• Gluten-Free Meatballs: Replace breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs. Use a certified gluten-free Parmesan cheese to ensure complete allergen-free preparation.
• Vegetarian Protein Swap
• Lean Protein Option: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lower-fat alternative. Choose white meat with 93% lean protein to keep the meatballs tender and healthy.
• Mediterranean Herb Variation: Incorporate fresh chopped herbs like oregano, mint, or dill into the meat mixture. Add crumbled feta cheese alongside mozzarella for an extra Mediterranean flavor boost.

Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed With Mozzarella Recipe

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4.6 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent “spinach garlic meatballs stuffed with mozzarella” combine Mediterranean flavors in a delightful culinary experience. Rich cheese centers and herbal notes create an irresistible dish perfect for sharing with friends and family.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken)
• 12 small mozzarella cubes (about ½-inch pieces)
• 1 large egg

Vegetables and Herbs:

• 1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Dry Ingredients and Seasonings:

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup breadcrumbs (or panko)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
• 2 cups marinara sauce (optional, for serving)

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Instructions

1. Create a robust flavor base by thoroughly blending ground meat with finely chopped spinach, aromatic garlic, grated Parmesan, breadcrumbs, egg, and robust Italian seasonings in a spacious mixing bowl. Ensure ingredients are evenly distributed without overworking the mixture.
2. Form delectable morsels by portioning approximately two tablespoons of meat mixture into your palm. Gently flatten each portion and nestle a compact mozzarella cube at its center. Carefully envelop the cheese, meticulously sealing the edges to prevent leakage during cooking. Artfully roll into uniform spherical shapes.
3. Prepare a large skillet with a gentle sheen of olive oil over medium heat. Carefully introduce the meatballs, allowing them to develop a rich golden-brown exterior by rotating every 2-3 minutes. Reduce heat, cover the skillet, and permit gentle cooking for 8-10 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F, ensuring complete culinary transformation.
4. Enhance the dish’s complexity by optional marinara integration. Pour sauce into the skillet, allowing meatballs to simmer and absorb luxurious flavors for an additional five minutes. Present these succulent protein parcels garnished with delicate Parmesan shavings and freshly chopped parsley for an elegant finishing touch.

Notes

• Prevent dense meatballs by gently mixing ingredients and avoiding excessive handling, which can make the texture tough and compact.
• Use cold hands when shaping meatballs to keep the mixture from becoming warm and sticky, ensuring a better texture and easier formation.
• Experiment with cheese variations like provolone or fontina for diverse flavor profiles while maintaining the gooey melted center.
• Accommodate gluten-free diets by substituting breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs without compromising the meatball’s binding structure.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 310
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg