Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed with Mozzarella Recipe
If you’re looking to elevate your weeknight dinner or impress guests with a gourmet-style dish, this spinach garlic meatballs stuffed with mozzarella recipe is the perfect choice. These meatballs combine juicy ground beef, earthy spinach, fragrant garlic, and a melty mozzarella surprise at the center. Every bite bursts with flavor and texture crispy on the outside, tender inside, and irresistibly cheesy at the core.
Whether you serve them as a main dish with pasta, pair them with marinara sauce, or enjoy them as an appetizer, these stuffed meatballs are versatile, satisfying, and surprisingly easy to make. With just under an hour of prep and cooking time, you can create a restaurant-quality meal right in your kitchen.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
- 1 lb ground beef (substitute with ground turkey or chicken if preferred)
- 8 oz mozzarella cheese (low-moisture recommended, cut into cubes)
- 2 cups fresh spinach (or thawed frozen spinach, squeezed dry)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (or another hard cheese of your choice)
- ¼ cup chopped parsley (optional, for freshness)
- 1 large egg (use 2 eggs if working with leaner meat)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing spinach and garlic)
For Cooking
- 1 tbsp extra olive oil (for searing)
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Sauté the Garlic and Spinach
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Add the spinach and cook until wilted, around 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
2. Prepare the Meatball Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, salt, pepper, and egg. Once the spinach mixture has cooled, add it in and gently mix until combined. Avoid overworking the meat, as this can make the meatballs dense.
3. Stuff with Mozzarella
Take a handful of the meat mixture and flatten it in your palm. Place a cube of mozzarella cheese in the center, then fold the meat around it, rolling it into a ball. Make sure the cheese is fully enclosed to prevent leaking during cooking. Repeat until all meatballs are formed.
4. Sear the Meatballs
Heat another tablespoon of olive oil in the skillet. Place the meatballs in the pan and sear each side for 2–3 minutes, until golden brown. This step locks in the flavor and creates a delicious crust.
5. Bake to Finish
Transfer the seared meatballs to a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C). Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let the meatballs rest for 5 minutes before serving.
About the Recipe
A Twist on Classic Meatballs
Meatballs are a beloved dish across cultures, from Italian-style with marinara to Swedish meatballs in cream sauce. This recipe takes the classic Italian approach and adds a gourmet touch with spinach and a melty mozzarella center. The spinach provides nutrition and earthy flavor, while the garlic enhances the savory notes of the beef. The hidden mozzarella creates a delightful surprise that turns a simple meal into something extraordinary.
Variations
- Turkey or Chicken: Swap ground beef for lighter protein.
- Marinara Style: Serve with your favorite tomato sauce over spaghetti.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños to the meat mixture.
- Cheese Lovers: Try provolone, fontina, or smoked mozzarella for different flavor profiles.
Helpful Tips
- Use low-moisture mozzarella to prevent excess water during baking.
- Ensure the cheese is fully enclosed to avoid leakage.
- Don’t overmix the meat — gentle handling makes tender meatballs.
- Resting the meatballs for 5 minutes after baking helps the juices redistribute.
Serving Suggestions
- Over spaghetti with marinara sauce for a hearty dinner.
- On a platter with dipping sauces like ranch or pesto for an appetizer.
- Inside a toasted sub roll with extra cheese for a delicious meatball sandwich.
- Paired with a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
Nutrition Insights
Each meatball (serving size: 1) contains about:
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fat: 15g
- Calcium: 200mg
Packed with protein, healthy fats, and nutrients from spinach, these meatballs make a wholesome dinner option.
Conclusion
This spinach garlic meatballs stuffed with mozzarella recipe is everything you want in a comfort food dish — flavorful, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re making them for a family dinner, a party appetizer, or even meal prep, they’ll quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.
Now it’s your turn — gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and enjoy the magic of melty mozzarella inside perfectly seasoned meatballs. Don’t forget to share your creation with family and friends — they’ll be asking for seconds!
