Do Share Recipe

Cheesy Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed with Mozzarella Recipe

I fell in love with these mozzarella-stuffed meatballs the first time I made them. The moment I cut into one and saw that melted cheese stretching, I knew I had something special.

Making these reminds me of creating my favorite Sausage Broccoli Orzo – both offer that same comforting, home-cooked feeling.

These meatballs combine tender meat, fresh spinach, aromatic garlic, and a surprise cheese center that makes every bite exciting. I’ve served them countless times, and they never fail to impress family and friends.

Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed with Mozzarella recipe

Ingredients for Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed with Mozzarella

1 lb ground beef – Choose 80/20 for best flavor and moisture
8 oz fresh baby spinach – Fresh spinach works better than frozen for texture
7 cloves garlic, finely chopped – Divided between spinach and meatball mixture
2¼ cups fresh breadcrumbs – Make your own for better binding
3 large eggs – Room temperature eggs mix easier
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese – Freshly grated tastes much better
Splash of whole milk – Adds moisture to the mixture
6 oz mozzarella cheese, cubed – Use whole milk mozzarella for best melting
3-4 tbsp olive oil – For sautéing and searing
1 jar marinara sauce – Quality matters for final flavor
Salt and black pepper to taste – Season generously for best results

Note: This recipe serves 4-6 people as a main dish or 8-10 as appetizers, depending on meatball size.

Variations to Try

These versatile meatballs work perfectly for various dinner recipes and dietary needs:

Turkey or chicken ground meat for lighter version
Gluten-free breadcrumbs for celiac-friendly option
Dairy-free mozzarella for lactose intolerant guests
Add red pepper flakes for spicy kick
Sun-dried tomatoes for Mediterranean twist
Fresh basil leaves mixed into meat for extra herbs
Provolone or gouda instead of mozzarella for different cheese flavors

Cooking Time

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

Equipment You Need

Large skillet – For sautéing spinach and searing meatballs
Large mixing bowl – To combine all meatball ingredients
Sharp knife – For chopping garlic and cubing cheese
Cutting board – Safe surface for prep work
Oven-safe skillet or baking dish – For final baking step
Aluminum foil – To cover during baking

How to Make Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed with Mozzarella

Creating these amazing meatballs involves several key steps that build layers of flavor. The process starts with preparing the spinach base, then mixing the meat, and finally assembling everything together. Each step is important for achieving that perfect texture and taste that makes these meatballs so special.

Step 1: Prepare the Spinach Base

Heat 1-2 tablespoons olive oil in your large skillet over medium heat. Add fresh baby spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted. Add 3 chopped garlic cloves in the last minute, stirring until fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool completely before chopping finely.

Step 2: Mix the Meatball Base

Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, milk, remaining garlic, Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with clean hands until just combined – overmixing makes tough meatballs. Fold in the cooled spinach mixture until evenly distributed throughout.

Step 3: Shape and Stuff the Meatballs

Roll the mixture into golf ball-sized portions. Press a mozzarella cube into the center of each ball, sealing the meat completely around it. Make sure no cheese shows through the meat surface. Place finished meatballs on a plate as you work through the mixture.

Step 4: Sear for Golden Color

Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in your oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs in batches, avoiding overcrowding the pan. Sear for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown on all sides. This step locks in flavor and creates appealing color.

Step 5: Finish in the Oven

Pour marinara sauce over and around the seared meatballs in the skillet. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and transfer to preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F and cheese centers are completely melted and gooey.

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

From my experience making these meatballs dozens of times, I’ve learned several tricks that make them even better:

I always chill the shaped meatballs for 30 minutes before cooking – this helps them hold their shape
I use slightly wet hands when shaping to prevent sticking and create smoother surfaces
I test one meatball first to check seasoning before shaping the entire batch
I save some pasta water when serving with noodles – it helps thin the sauce perfectly
I double the recipe and freeze half for quick weeknight meals later

How to Serve Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed with Mozzarella

These versatile meatballs work wonderfully in many serving styles, much like how I serve my Flank Steak Tacos Recipe with various toppings:

Serve over spaghetti or penne pasta with extra marinara sauce
Present in a cast iron skillet with crusty bread for rustic appeal
Arrange on a platter with toothpicks for elegant appetizer presentation
Pair with garlic mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables for complete meal
Garnish with fresh parsley, basil, and extra Parmesan cheese
Drizzle with balsamic glaze for gourmet restaurant-style finish

Nutritional Information

Here’s the approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (based on 6 servings):

Calories: 385 per serving with good balance of protein and fats
Protein: 28g providing excellent muscle-building nutrients
Carbohydrates: 18g mainly from breadcrumbs and vegetables
Fat: 24g from meat, cheese, and olive oil for satisfaction

How to Store

Refrigerator Storage: Keep leftover meatballs in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Store with some sauce to prevent drying out.
Freezing Options: Freeze cooked meatballs for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating Instructions: Warm in 350°F oven for 15 minutes or microwave on 50% power. Add splash of water or broth if needed.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These meatballs offer the perfect combination of comfort and sophistication that makes them irresistible:

Easy Preparation: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this accessible for any skill level. Most home cooks can master this recipe quickly.
Impressive Results: The melted cheese center creates a wow factor that never fails to impress dinner guests. Perfect for special occasions or date nights.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare these completely ahead of time and reheat when needed. Great for busy families and meal planning.
Versatile Serving: Works as appetizer, main course, or party food depending on your needs. Easily scales up for larger crowds.
Nutritious Choice: Packed with protein, vegetables, and calcium for a well-balanced meal. Much healthier than many comfort food options.

Common Mistakes to Avoid for Better Results

Learning from common pitfalls helps ensure perfect meatballs every time:

Overmixing the meat – This creates dense, tough meatballs instead of tender ones. Mix just until ingredients combine.
Skipping the searing step – This crucial step adds color and locks in juices. Don’t rush straight to baking.
Using too much liquid – Wet mixture won’t hold together properly. Add liquids gradually until just combined.
Not sealing cheese completely – Exposed cheese will leak out during cooking. Take time to seal edges properly.
Cooking at too high heat – This burns the outside before inside cooks through. Medium heat ensures even cooking throughout.

These spinach garlic meatballs stuffed with mozzarella bring restaurant-quality results to your home kitchen. The combination of savory meat, nutritious spinach, aromatic garlic, and surprise cheese center creates a memorable dining experience that keeps everyone coming back for more.

Ben Carraoli