Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed with Mozzarella – Juicy, Cheesy & Unforgettable Comfort Food
These Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed with Mozzarella are everything you could ever want from a cozy comfort meal—juicy, savory meatballs infused with garlic and spinach, and surprise! a melty mozzarella core in every bite. They’re perfect as a main dish, piled on pasta, served over rice, tucked into a sub roll, or even enjoyed as an appetizer with toothpicks and marinara.
This recipe is a twist on traditional meatballs, bringing in fresh greens, a boost of flavor from garlic, and an ooey-gooey cheese center that makes them irresistibly fun to eat. Whether you're serving these for dinner, meal prep, or party bites, they’re always a hit.
Craving more crave-worthy meatball recipes and creative comfort food? Browse dozens of flavorful dishes at recipeservice.net—where everyday meals are made extraordinary.
Ingredients
🍖 Meatball Mixture
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup fresh spinach finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 egg
- ½ cup breadcrumbs panko or Italian-style
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes optional
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
🧀 Filling
- 6 oz mozzarella cheese cut into ~½-inch cubes
🍅 Sauce (Optional but recommended)
- 2 cups marinara sauce store-bought or homemade
🛢 Oils & Garnishes
- 1 tbsp olive oil for cooking or baking sheet
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
- Extra Parmesan for serving
Instructions
🔥 Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C)
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil
🥣 Step 2: Prepare the Meatball Mixture
- In a large bowl, combine:
- 1 lb ground meat
- 1 cup finely chopped spinach
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 1 egg
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan
- Italian seasoning
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper
- Mix gently until just combined—don’t overmix to keep the meatballs tender!
🧀 Step 3: Stuff with Mozzarella
- Use a spoon or cookie scoop to portion out the meat mixture (about 2 tbsp per ball)
- Flatten slightly and place a cube of mozzarella in the center
- Wrap the meat around the cheese, rolling into a tight ball
- Repeat until all meatballs are formed.
🧆 Step 4: Bake or Pan-Fry
- Option 1: Oven-Baked
- Place meatballs on a parchment-lined sheet
- Bake for 18–20 minutes, until golden and cooked through (internal temp: 165°F)
- Option 2: Pan-Sear + Bake
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet
- Brown meatballs on all sides for 5–6 minutes
- Transfer to a baking dish and finish in oven at 375°F for 10 minutes
🍅 Step 5: (Optional) Add Marinara Sauce
- Warm 2 cups marinara sauce in a saucepan or skillet
- Add cooked meatballs to the sauce and simmer for 5–10 minutes
- Perfect if serving over pasta or as sliders/subs.
🌿 Step 6: Serve and Garnish
- Serve hot, garnished with:
- Chopped parsley or basil
- Extra Parmesan
- Cracked black pepper
- Pair with:
- Spaghetti
- Garlic bread
- Zoodles or rice
- Or serve solo with toothpicks as an appetizer!
Notes
🍴 Serving Suggestions
Serve over: Spaghetti or linguine Creamy polenta Mashed cauliflower for a low-carb twist Serve as: Meatball subs Party bites Meal prep with grains and veggies Add a side salad and bread for a complete dinner. 🧑🍳 Variations
Spicy Kick: Add ½ tsp chili flakes or 1 tsp sriracha to the mix Pesto Version: Mix 1 tbsp basil pesto into the meat mixture Turkey Meatballs: Use lean ground turkey or chicken Keto-Friendly: Swap breadcrumbs for almond flour or crushed pork rinds Cheese Swap: Use provolone, cheddar, or smoked gouda for a fun twist 🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator:
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days Freezer:
Freeze cooked meatballs (without sauce) for up to 3 months Flash-freeze on tray, then transfer to zip-top bags Reheating:
Oven: 350°F for 10 minutes Microwave: 1–2 minutes with a splash of water or sauce Stovetop: Simmer in marinara sauce ❓ 10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes—thaw, drain, and squeeze out excess water before mixing. 2. What’s the best mozzarella for stuffing?
Use a low-moisture block mozzarella for best melting and least leaking. 3. Can I make them ahead of time?
Yes—prep and refrigerate uncooked meatballs for up to 24 hours. 4. Can I air fry them?
Yes! Air fry at 375°F for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway. 5. How do I prevent cheese from leaking out?
Wrap the meat tightly around the mozzarella, sealing all edges. 6. Can I skip the cheese?
Sure—but the melty center is everything here! 7. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely—great for freezing or feeding a crowd. 8. Is this kid-friendly?
Yes—mild, cheesy, and easy to eat. 9. Can I serve them cold?
They're best warm so the cheese stays melty. 10. How can I make them extra juicy?
Use a mix of beef and pork, and don’t overcook. 📝 Conclusion
These Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed with Mozzarella are a delicious twist on the classic—melty, meaty, cheesy, and absolutely irresistible. Whether you serve them on pasta, as a sandwich, or appetizer, they’ll steal the show with every gooey bite. For more creative takes on classic dishes and unforgettable comfort food, visit recipeservice.net, where everyday meals become something special.
Serve over: Spaghetti or linguine Creamy polenta Mashed cauliflower for a low-carb twist Serve as: Meatball subs Party bites Meal prep with grains and veggies Add a side salad and bread for a complete dinner. 🧑🍳 Variations
Spicy Kick: Add ½ tsp chili flakes or 1 tsp sriracha to the mix Pesto Version: Mix 1 tbsp basil pesto into the meat mixture Turkey Meatballs: Use lean ground turkey or chicken Keto-Friendly: Swap breadcrumbs for almond flour or crushed pork rinds Cheese Swap: Use provolone, cheddar, or smoked gouda for a fun twist 🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator:
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days Freezer:
Freeze cooked meatballs (without sauce) for up to 3 months Flash-freeze on tray, then transfer to zip-top bags Reheating:
Oven: 350°F for 10 minutes Microwave: 1–2 minutes with a splash of water or sauce Stovetop: Simmer in marinara sauce ❓ 10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes—thaw, drain, and squeeze out excess water before mixing. 2. What’s the best mozzarella for stuffing?
Use a low-moisture block mozzarella for best melting and least leaking. 3. Can I make them ahead of time?
Yes—prep and refrigerate uncooked meatballs for up to 24 hours. 4. Can I air fry them?
Yes! Air fry at 375°F for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway. 5. How do I prevent cheese from leaking out?
Wrap the meat tightly around the mozzarella, sealing all edges. 6. Can I skip the cheese?
Sure—but the melty center is everything here! 7. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely—great for freezing or feeding a crowd. 8. Is this kid-friendly?
Yes—mild, cheesy, and easy to eat. 9. Can I serve them cold?
They're best warm so the cheese stays melty. 10. How can I make them extra juicy?
Use a mix of beef and pork, and don’t overcook. 📝 Conclusion
These Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed with Mozzarella are a delicious twist on the classic—melty, meaty, cheesy, and absolutely irresistible. Whether you serve them on pasta, as a sandwich, or appetizer, they’ll steal the show with every gooey bite. For more creative takes on classic dishes and unforgettable comfort food, visit recipeservice.net, where everyday meals become something special.