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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.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 14 meatballs
Ingredients Method Notes

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

Method
 

🔥 Step 1: Preheat the Oven
  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C)
  2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil
🥣 Step 2: Prepare the Meatball Mixture
  1. In a large bowl, combine:
  2. 1 lb ground meat
  3. 1 cup finely chopped spinach
  4. 3 cloves minced garlic
  5. 1 egg
  6. ½ cup breadcrumbs
  7. ¼ cup grated Parmesan
  8. Italian seasoning
  9. Red pepper flakes (optional)
  10. Salt and pepper
  11. Mix gently until just combined—don’t overmix to keep the meatballs tender!
🧀 Step 3: Stuff with Mozzarella
  1. Use a spoon or cookie scoop to portion out the meat mixture (about 2 tbsp per ball)
  2. Flatten slightly and place a cube of mozzarella in the center
  3. Wrap the meat around the cheese, rolling into a tight ball
  4. Repeat until all meatballs are formed.
🧆 Step 4: Bake or Pan-Fry
  1. Option 1: Oven-Baked
  2. Place meatballs on a parchment-lined sheet
  3. Bake for 18–20 minutes, until golden and cooked through (internal temp: 165°F)
  4. Option 2: Pan-Sear + Bake
  5. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet
  6. Brown meatballs on all sides for 5–6 minutes
  7. Transfer to a baking dish and finish in oven at 375°F for 10 minutes
🍅 Step 5: (Optional) Add Marinara Sauce
  1. Warm 2 cups marinara sauce in a saucepan or skillet
  2. Add cooked meatballs to the sauce and simmer for 5–10 minutes
  3. Perfect if serving over pasta or as sliders/subs.
🌿 Step 6: Serve and Garnish
  1. Serve hot, garnished with:
  2. Chopped parsley or basil
  3. Extra Parmesan
  4. Cracked black pepper
  5. Pair with:
  6. Spaghetti
  7. Garlic bread
  8. Zoodles or rice
  9. 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.