Gooey Mozzarella-Stuffed Cheesy Spinach Garlic Meatballs Recipe

Tender meatballs packed with creamy mozzarella and garlic spinach will make your taste buds dance with excitement.

These delectable bites blend rich flavors in every single morsel.

The combination of savory ground meat and melted cheese creates an irresistible texture that beckons you closer.

Herbs and spices intermingle, promising a culinary adventure that goes beyond ordinary appetizers.

Each meatball bursts with molten cheese when you take a bite, delivering pure comfort on a plate.

Seasoned perfectly and carefully crafted, these stuffed meatballs elevate home cooking to restaurant-quality deliciousness.

Prepare to savor a recipe that transforms dinner into a memorable dining experience.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 330 kcal

Servings: 5

Spinach Garlic Mozzarella Meatball Ingredients

• Ground Meat: Lean protein that forms the hearty foundation of the meatballs, choose fresh ground beef or a mix of beef and pork for rich flavor.
• Breadcrumbs: Creates tender texture and helps bind ingredients, use plain or Italian-style for extra seasoning.
• Egg: Acts as a crucial binder to hold the meatball mixture together, ensuring perfect structure.

• Spinach: Adds vibrant green color and nutrient boost, select fresh crisp leaves or well-drained frozen spinach.
• Garlic: Provides intense aromatic punch, opt for fresh cloves with firm, plump appearance.
• Parmesan Cheese: Delivers sharp, salty undertones, choose freshly grated for maximum flavor intensity.
• Italian Seasoning: Brings complex herbal notes, select a blend with oregano, basil, and thyme.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for balancing and highlighting other ingredients' natural flavors.

• Mozzarella: Creates gooey, molten center, select low-moisture variety for best melting performance.
• Olive Oil: Provides smooth cooking surface and subtle fruity undertone.
• Marinara Sauce: Optional coating that adds tangy richness, choose high-quality jarred or homemade sauce.
• Fresh Parsley: Offers bright garnish and fresh herbal accent, select vibrant green leaves.

Tools to Make Stuffed Meatballs

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining all meatball ingredients thoroughly and evenly.
• Skillet: Perfect for browning and cooking meatballs with even heat distribution.
• Cutting board: Needed for chopping spinach and preparing ingredients.
• Sharp knife: Used for mincing garlic and chopping spinach precisely.
• Meat thermometer: Ensures meatballs reach safe internal temperature of 165F/74C.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Helps mix ingredients and turn meatballs while cooking.

How to Prepare Spinach-Stuffed Meatballs

• Create Flavor-Packed Meatballs

Grab ground meat and mix in vibrant, chopped spinach, zesty garlic, grated Parmesan, breadcrumbs, egg, and seasoning. Blend ingredients gently without overworking the mixture to keep meatballs tender.

• Hide Cheesy Surprise

Spread a small handful of meat mixture into your palm, nestle a cube of mozzarella right in the center. Carefully wrap the meat around the cheese, making sure no cheese peeks out. Roll into perfect round balls.

• Sizzle and Brown

Warm olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Carefully place meatballs in the pan, turning every few minutes to create a gorgeous golden crust. Lower heat, cover the skillet, and let them cook through until internal temperature reaches 165F.

• Serve with Flair

Optional: Pour marinara sauce into the skillet, letting meatballs simmer and soak up extra flavor. Transfer to a serving plate, sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan for a restaurant-worthy presentation.

Tips to Keep Meatballs Juicy and Flavorful

• Ensure the mozzarella is completely enclosed to prevent cheese leakage during cooking. Press edges firmly and roll gently to create a smooth, sealed meatball.
• Prepare meatballs in advance and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking. This allows flavors to meld and makes meal preparation easier.
• Replace ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. These alternatives work perfectly while reducing overall fat content.
• Substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers to make the recipe celiac-friendly without compromising texture.
• Skip breadcrumbs entirely and use finely grated Parmesan cheese or crushed pork rinds as a binding agent for a keto-friendly protein-packed meal.

Serve These Mozzarella-Filled Meatballs Warm

• Party Platter Perfection: Arrange meatballs on a rustic wooden board with toothpicks, surrounded by fresh herbs and extra marinara for easy grabbing during gatherings.
• Pasta Companion: Nestle these cheesy meatballs over al dente spaghetti or penne, drizzling marinara sauce generously to create a hearty Italian-style meal.
• Sandwich Sensation: Slice meatballs in half and tuck into crusty ciabatta bread with melted provolone and extra marinara for a gourmet meatball sub experience.
• Appetizer Elegance: Serve mini meatballs on small plates with decorative cocktail picks, offering guests a delicious bite-sized treat perfect for wine nights or casual entertaining.

Store Leftover Meatballs

• Store cooked meatballs in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup and maintain optimal texture.
• Wrap individual meatballs in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. These cheesy delights can be frozen for 2-3 months without losing flavor or quality. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Prepare double the recipe and portion out meals for quick weeknight dinners. Separate into meal-sized containers for easy grab-and-go lunches or dinner solutions.
• Warm meatballs gently in a skillet with a splash of marinara sauce to prevent drying out. Microwave works in a pinch, but use 30-second intervals and cover to retain moisture. Add fresh herbs before serving to refresh the flavors.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of meat for these meatballs?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or pork. Just ensure the meat has enough fat content to keep the meatballs juicy and flavorful.

• How do I prevent the mozzarella from leaking out during cooking?

Make sure to seal the meatballs completely, pressing the edges firmly. Chilling the meatballs for 15-20 minutes before cooking can also help keep the cheese inside.

• Are these meatballs gluten-free?

Not by default. To make them gluten-free, replace regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour. Always check that all ingredients are certified gluten-free.

• Can I bake these meatballs instead of pan-frying?

Absolutely! Bake the meatballs on a lined baking sheet at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, turning them halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.

Cheesy Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed With Mozzarella Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Savory spinach garlic meatballs stuffed with mozzarella showcase Italian culinary artistry. Cheesy centers and herbal notes promise a delightful Mediterranean-inspired meal for hungry diners.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken)
• 12 small mozzarella cubes (about ½-inch pieces)
• 1 large egg
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup breadcrumbs (or panko)
• 1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
• 2 cups marinara sauce (optional, for serving)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Meat Mixture Preparation: Combine ground meat with finely chopped spinach, minced garlic, grated Parmesan, breadcrumbs, egg, and Italian seasonings in a large mixing bowl. Blend ingredients thoroughly but gently to maintain a light texture.
2. Mozzarella Stuffing: Divide meat mixture into portions, flattening each piece and inserting a cube of mozzarella at the center. Carefully seal the cheese inside, rolling the meat into smooth, compact spheres that completely encase the molten cheese core.
3. Cooking Process: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Gently place meatballs in the pan, rotating to achieve an even golden-brown crust. Reduce heat, cover, and cook for 8-10 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F, ensuring complete and safe cooking.
4. Final Touches: Optional marinara sauce can be added to the skillet, allowing meatballs to simmer and absorb additional flavor profiles. Finish by garnishing with delicate Parmesan shavings and freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant and aromatic presentation.

Notes

• Prevent Cheese Leakage: Seal meatball edges tightly and chill before cooking to help mozzarella stay inside during high-heat cooking.
• Avoid Meat Toughness: Mix ingredients gently without overworking the meat mixture to maintain tender, juicy meatballs.
• Control Cooking Temperature: Use medium heat and rotate meatballs frequently to develop even golden-brown crust without burning.
• Customize Dietary Needs: Substitute ground meat with turkey or plant-based alternatives, use gluten-free breadcrumbs for different dietary preferences.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 330
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg