Imagine biting into a tender, perfectly seasoned meatball only to discover a gooey, molten mozzarella center. These Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed with Mozzarella are everything you didn’t know you needed in comfort food. Packed with nutritious spinach, savory garlic, and melty cheese, these meatballs bring a burst of flavor to your dinner table and make any meal feel special.
Why You’ll Love These Meatballs
Irresistibly Cheesy
Who doesn’t love a surprise of gooey mozzarella hidden inside? Each bite offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors that’s sure to satisfy cheese lovers.
A Healthy Spin on Comfort Food
With fresh spinach folded into the mix, you’re sneaking in greens without sacrificing taste. It’s a great way to add some nutritional value to an indulgent dish.
Easy to Prepare, Perfect for Any Meal
These meatballs come together in just a few simple steps and can be served in a variety of ways—paired with marinara for dipping, nestled over pasta, or even in a hearty sub sandwich.
What You’ll Need
- 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork for added flavor)
- 1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Spinach Garlic Meatballs
1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, finely chopped spinach, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix until the ingredients are just combined to avoid overworking the mixture, which could make the meatballs tough.
2. Stuff with Mozzarella
Scoop about 1-2 tablespoons of the meat mixture into your palm and flatten it. Place a cube of mozzarella in the center and carefully wrap the meat around it, ensuring it’s sealed. Roll it into a ball and repeat until all the meat and cheese are used.
3. Cook the Meatballs
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Cook the meatballs in batches so the pan isn’t overcrowded. Let them cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until browned and cooked through, with a beautifully crispy exterior.
How to Serve
These meatballs shine when served warm with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. For a heartier meal, pile them over your favorite pasta or tuck them into a sandwich with extra cheese and basil.
Tips for the Best Meatballs
- Sealing the Mozzarella: Make sure the meat is wrapped tightly around the cheese to prevent it from oozing out during cooking.
- Avoid Overmixing: Overworking the mixture can result in dense meatballs. Mix just until combined for the best texture.
- Batch Cooking: Cook in batches to ensure each meatball gets evenly browned.
Pairing Ideas
Serve with a glass of red wine or sparkling water with a lemon twist for an elevated experience. A crisp green salad on the side helps balance out the richness.
Recipe Card
Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed with Mozzarella
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
1 cup mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes
2 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
Directions
- Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped spinach, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix until just combined avoid over-mixing to keep the meatballs tender.
- Stuff with Mozzarella: Take about 1-2 tablespoons of the meat mixture and flatten it in your palm. Place a cube of mozzarella cheese in the center, then carefully wrap the meat around it, sealing it completely. Roll into a ball. Repeat with the remaining meat mixture and cheese cubes.
- Cook the Meatballs: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, ensuring that the pan is not overcrowded. Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, until browned on all sides and cooked through.
- Serve: Serve warm with marinara sauce for dipping or over pasta, and garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh basil, if desired.
Storage and Reheating
Leftover meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in a skillet over low heat or in the oven at 300°F until heated through.
Try these Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed with Mozzarella and bring a touch of cheesy, savory joy to your next dinner. Let me know how your family or guests enjoyed this comforting dish!