Short Description

Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed with Mozzarella are a savory twist on a classic favorite—flavorful, juicy meatballs filled with gooey, melted mozzarella and enhanced with the earthy depth of spinach and garlic. Perfect as a hearty appetizer, main dish, or party favorite, these meatballs are as versatile as they are delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These stuffed meatballs deliver an incredible combination of textures and flavors: tender meat, vibrant spinach, aromatic garlic, and a melty cheese center. Baked or pan-fried, they’re easy to make, visually appealing, and kid-friendly. Serve them with marinara, over pasta, or in a sub for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

ground beef or ground turkey
cooked spinach (excess moisture squeezed out)
garlic, minced
breadcrumbs
grated Parmesan cheese
egg
salt and pepper, to taste
small mozzarella cubes
olive oil, for baking or frying
fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

1. Make Meat Mixture:

In a mixing bowl, combine 1 lb ground beef or turkey, 1 cup cooked spinach, 2 cloves minced garlic, ½ cup breadcrumbs, ¼ cup grated Parmesan, 1 egg, salt, and pepper.
Mix thoroughly until the ingredients are evenly combined.

2. Form the Meatballs:

Scoop a portion of the mixture (about 2 tablespoons), flatten slightly, and place a mozzarella cube in the center.
Enclose the cheese by shaping the mixture around it into a ball.
Repeat with remaining ingredients to form 8–10 meatballs.

3. Cook the Meatballs:

Oven Method: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place meatballs on a greased baking sheet and bake for 18–20 minutes, or until browned and cooked through.
Stovetop Method: Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook meatballs, turning occasionally, until all sides are browned and the centers are cooked through (about 10–12 minutes total).

4. Serve:

Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Enjoy on their own, with marinara sauce, over spaghetti, or inside toasted sandwich rolls.

Servings and Timing

Servings: Serves 4–6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: About 35 minutes
Calories: ~320 kcal per serving (estimated)

Variations

Cheese Swap: Use cheddar, provolone, or fontina instead of mozzarella.
Add Herbs: Mix in Italian seasoning, basil, or oregano for extra flavor.
Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños to the mixture.
Low-Carb: Use almond flour in place of breadcrumbs.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Freeze raw or cooked meatballs on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F or in a skillet with a splash of sauce or water until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use frozen spinach?

Yes, thaw it completely and squeeze out all excess moisture before mixing.

How do I keep the cheese from leaking out?

Seal the meatball edges well and avoid overstuffing with cheese.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Use dairy-free cheese substitutes and omit the Parmesan or replace it with nutritional yeast.

Are these meatballs good for meal prep?

Absolutely—they store and reheat well and can be made in large batches.

Can I bake them without oil?

Yes, use a non-stick or parchment-lined baking sheet for an oil-free option.

Do I need to cook the spinach first?

Yes, cooking and draining spinach removes moisture and concentrates flavor.

Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, ground chicken, pork, or a meat blend all work well.

Should I serve them with sauce?

They’re delicious with marinara, pesto, or even a creamy garlic sauce.

Can I make mini meatballs for appetizers?

Yes, just adjust the cooking time to 10–12 minutes for smaller sizes.

What side dishes go well with these?

Serve with pasta, salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Conclusion

Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed with Mozzarella are a flavorful, satisfying dish that offers a delicious twist on a comfort food favorite. Whether you’re serving them for dinner, at a gathering, or packing them for lunch, these cheesy, savory bites are sure to impress and delight.

Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed with Mozzarella

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Author: Olivia
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4-6 servings

Print Recipe

Description

These Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed with Mozzarella are a juicy, cheesy twist on a classic favorite. Filled with melty mozzarella and packed with garlicky spinach goodness, they’re perfect served with marinara sauce or as a protein-packed appetizer. Keyword: spinach garlic meatballs stuffed with mozzarella

Instructions

Make Meat Mixture:
In a large bowl, combine ground meat, cooked spinach, garlic, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix until thoroughly combined.
Form Balls:
Scoop a portion of the mixture and flatten slightly.
Place a mozzarella cube in the center and form the meat around it to seal.
Repeat with remaining mixture and cheese cubes.
Cook Meatballs:
- To Bake: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place meatballs on a greased baking sheet and bake for 18–20 minutes.
- To Pan-Fry: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry meatballs until browned on all sides and cooked through.
Serve:
Garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot with marinara sauce, over pasta, or as a standalone dish.