Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed with Mozzarella

🧆 Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed with Mozzarella: A Flavor Explosion You’ll Want Again and Again

Imagine this: a cozy evening at home, a rich aroma filling the kitchen—garlicky, herby, and warm. You’re curled up with a bowl of tender, juicy meatballs oozing with melty mozzarella, served over perfectly al dente pasta or dipped into a zesty marinara sauce.

This isn’t just dinner—it’s a moment of comfort and indulgence.

These Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed with Mozzarella are inspired by the hearty meals often found in Italian kitchens, where love is a key ingredient, and food brings people together. It’s a twist on a classic—infused with vibrant spinach, fragrant garlic, and a hidden pocket of gooey cheese that makes every bite unforgettable.

Whether you’re prepping for a family dinner, entertaining guests, or batch-cooking your weekly meals, this recipe will never disappoint. Ready to bring magic to your table?

🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s break down what you’ll need to make these cheesy, garlicky meatballs come to life:

  • 1 lb ground beef (or use a 50/50 mix of beef and pork for added depth)
  • 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 pan-frying

Pro Tip: Freshly shredded mozzarella gives the best melt, but pre-cubed works too if you’re in a hurry.

đŸ„Ł How to Make Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed with Mozzarella

This recipe comes together in just a few steps and delivers maximum impact. Here’s how to make them:

đŸ”č Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, chopped spinach, garlic, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.

Mix everything gently with your hands or a spatula until just combined. Overmixing can lead to dense meatballs, so stop as soon as it holds together.

Why Spinach? Not only does it add nutrients and color, but it also keeps the meat moist while bringing in a mild earthiness that complements the garlic and cheese beautifully.

đŸ”č Step 2: Stuff with Mozzarella

Now comes the fun part!

Take about 1-2 tablespoons of the meat mixture and flatten it in your palm. Place a cube of mozzarella in the center and wrap the meat around it, sealing the edges well to prevent the cheese from escaping during cooking.

Roll into a neat ball and place on a clean plate. Repeat with the remaining mixture and mozzarella cubes.

Make Ahead Tip: You can prep the meatballs a few hours in advance and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.

đŸ”č Step 3: Cook the Meatballs

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the meatballs in batches—don’t overcrowd the pan.

Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, turning gently to get all sides browned and the inside fully cooked. Depending on their size, you may need a total of 10–12 minutes per batch.

Optional Oven Finish: If you’re cooking in large batches, transfer seared meatballs to a 375°F (190°C) oven for 10 minutes to finish cooking evenly.

đŸ”č Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve the meatballs warm, with any of the following:

  • Over spaghetti or fettuccine, tossed with marinara
  • As an appetizer with toothpicks and dipping sauce
  • Stuffed into a toasted sub roll with extra mozzarella and basil
  • On top of creamy polenta or mashed potatoes

Garnish with fresh basil, extra Parmesan, or even a drizzle of balsamic glaze for an elevated touch.

🍮 Why You’ll Love These Stuffed Meatballs

Still need convincing? Here’s why this dish earns a spot in your regular rotation:

  • ✅ Cheesy Surprise Inside – Every bite is a molten mozzarella moment.
  • ✅ Nutritious & Delicious – With spinach in the mix, it’s secretly healthy.
  • ✅ Kid-Friendly – Fun to make and even more fun to eat.
  • ✅ Great for Meal Prep – Make a double batch and freeze the extras.
  • ✅ Elegant Enough for Guests – Yet easy enough for a weeknight.

These aren’t your average meatballs—they’re next-level comfort food.

🔁 Variations and Substitutions

Want to tweak the recipe to suit your needs or use up what’s in the fridge? Go for it! Here are some tried-and-true variations:

🌿 Vegetarian Option

Swap ground meat for lentils + mushrooms or a plant-based ground alternative. Keep the cheese, or use a plant-based mozzarella substitute.

🐔 Chicken or Turkey Meatballs

Use ground chicken or turkey for a leaner option. These meats are a bit more delicate, so handle gently and consider adding a splash of milk to keep the mixture moist.

🧀 Cheese Variations

No mozzarella? Try:

  • Provolone
  • Fontina
  • Gouda
  • Goat cheese for a tangy twist

đŸŒ¶ïž Want Heat?

Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the meat mixture for a spicy kick.

🍞 Gluten-Free?

Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour to keep this dish celiac-friendly.

đŸ„« Best Sauces to Pair With

These stuffed meatballs are flavor bombs on their own, but the right sauce can take them over the top.

❀ Classic Marinara

A no-fail favorite. The acidity of the tomatoes cuts through the richness of the meat and cheese.

🌿 Pesto

Spinach and basil are a match made in heaven. Use homemade or store-bought pesto for a bold herby finish.

🍅 Creamy Tomato Sauce

Combine marinara with a splash of cream or mascarpone for an indulgent, silky sauce.

đŸŒ¶ïž Arrabbiata

For those who like it hot, this spicy tomato-based sauce adds depth and heat.

đŸ· What to Serve with Stuffed Meatballs

Need help rounding out your meal? Here are a few perfect pairings:

  • Garlic bread or focaccia
  • Roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant
  • A fresh Caesar or arugula salad
  • Creamy polenta or buttery mashed potatoes
  • Red wine, such as Chianti, Barbera, or Zinfandel

Hosting a dinner party? Offer a tasting trio of sauces and let guests mix and match. It’s a fun, interactive way to serve!

🧊 Storage, Freezing & Reheating Tips

One of the best things about these meatballs is how well they keep. Here’s how to store and enjoy them later:

đŸ„¶ To Freeze:

Let the meatballs cool completely, then place them on a baking sheet in a single layer. Freeze for 1-2 hours, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Keeps well for up to 3 months.

♚ To Reheat:

  • Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals until warm.
  • Stovetop: Simmer in sauce over low heat until heated through.
  • Oven: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes.

Tip: Add a splash of broth or sauce when reheating to keep them moist.

📝 Final Thoughts: Why This Recipe Deserves a Spot in Your Rotation

These Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed with Mozzarella check every box. They’re simple to make, packed with flavor and texture, and versatile enough for any occasion—from weeknight dinners to weekend entertaining.

Plus, they’re a great way to sneak in some greens (your kids won’t even notice the spinach!) and add that cozy, cheesy indulgence we all crave now and then.

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