Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs the savory scent of sizzling garlic fills the air, I can’t help but feel transported back to my childhood kitchen. Those cherished moments spent around the dinner table relish in the joy of home-cooked meals. Today, I’m excited to share my Spinach Garlic Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs—a delightful twist on classic comfort food! Not only are these meatballs packed with nutritious spinach and ooey-gooey mozzarella, but they’re also incredibly easy to prepare, making them perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings with friends. You’ll discover how this simple recipe can become a family favorite, bringing everyone together in delicious harmony. Are you ready to dig in and explore the melty magic of these cheesy meatballs? Why are these meatballs so special? Flavor Explosion: The combination of sautéed garlic and fresh spinach infuses each meatball with irresistible flavors that make your taste buds sing. Cheesy Surprise: With a gooey mozzarella center, each bite is a delightful revelation that keeps your family coming back for more! Customizable Goodness: Mix in your favorite herbs or veggies to create a version that caters to your tastes—it’s all about flexibility! Effortless Prep: Quick to assemble and even easier to cook, these meatballs are a lifesaver for busy weekdays—a dish that can be prepared in advance and frozen, just like my Garlic Lemon Butter Salmon. Crowd Pleaser: Perfect for any gathering, these meatballs will impress your guests, making your dinner parties unforgettable! Spinach Garlic Meatballs Ingredients • Get ready to create a flavor-packed delight! For the Meat Mixture Ground Beef or Turkey – The base for your meatballs; swap for lean turkey for a healthier option. Fresh Spinach – Offers vibrant color and nutrition; sauté to enhance its flavor before mixing. Garlic – Freshly minced for the best taste; it’s the secret to depth in every bite. Onion (optional) – Adds sweetness; finely chopped for even distribution in your meatballs. Egg – Binds the mixture together, ensuring the meatballs hold their shape perfectly. Breadcrumbs – Provides texture; substitute with gluten-free options like crushed rice crackers or oat flour for dietary needs. Grated Parmesan Cheese – Adds savory richness to the mix. Italian Seasoning – Enhances the overall flavor; fresh herbs can elevate your dish with aroma. Salt and Pepper – Essential for amplifying all flavors in your meatball mix. Red Pepper Flakes (optional) – Adds a hint of spice if you’re feeling adventurous! For the Cheesy Center Low-Moisture Mozzarella Cubes – The melty surprise; ensure they’re chilled to prevent leaks while cooking. For Garnishing Chopped Parsley (optional) – Freshly chopped for a garnish that enhances presentation. With these ingredients, you’ll be set to whip up a batch of Spinach Garlic Meatballs that are simply unforgettable! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Spinach Garlic Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs Step 1: Sauté Spinach and Garlic In a skillet heated over medium, add a splash of olive oil and two minced garlic cloves. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the garlic turns golden, then add in a generous handful of fresh spinach, stirring until it wilts and softens. Remove from heat, allow to cool slightly, and then chop finely to mix into your Spinach Garlic Meatballs. Step 2: Mix Ingredients In a large mixing bowl, combine your choice of ground beef or turkey, the cooled chopped spinach and garlic mixture, one beaten egg, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Gently fold the ingredients together until just incorporated to avoid overmixing—this will ensure your meatballs remain tender and flavorful. Step 3: Form Meatballs Take a handful of the meat mixture and flatten it in your palm. Place a chilled cube of low-moisture mozzarella in the center and then wrap the meat around it, ensuring it’s completely sealed. Shape the mixture into round meatballs, about the size of a golf ball, ensuring the cheesy core is nestled safely within each one of your Spinach Garlic Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs. Step 4: Cook Meatballs Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) if you’re baking, or heat a skillet over medium-high for pan-searing. For baking, arrange the meatballs on a lined baking sheet and cook for 20-25 minutes until they’re browned and cooked through. If pan-searing, add a little oil and cook the meatballs for 6-8 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked to a safe temperature. Step 5: Optional Simmer For an extra layer of flavor, transfer the cooked meatballs to a pot of warm marinara sauce. Allow them to simmer gently for an additional 5-10 minutes, letting the sauce soak into the meatballs while ensuring they stay juicy and flavorful. This step can be easily added after baking or searing for that classic Italian touch! Step 6: Rest Once the Spinach Garlic Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs are done, take them off the heat and allow them to rest for 5 minutes. This resting period helps to lock in the juices, ensuring each bite remains moist and delicious. The melted mozzarella at the center will stay gooey, ready to melt in your mouth with every delicious bite! Make Ahead Options These Spinach Garlic Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs are ideal for meal prep, saving you valuable time on busy weeknights! You can prepare the meat mixture and form the meatballs up to 24 hours in advance; just cover them tightly and refrigerate until ready to cook. Additionally, uncooked meatballs can be frozen for up to 2 months—simply arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and then bake or pan-sear as directed. This method ensures your meatballs are just as delicious with gooey mozzarella centers, making dinner a breeze! How to Store and Freeze Spinach Garlic Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs Room Temperature: Allow meatballs to cool completely before storing. Keep at room temperature for no more than 2 hours to maintain safety. Fridge: Store cooked meatballs in an airtight container for up to 3 days. When ready to enjoy, gently reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave. Freezer: Freeze uncooked meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet for up to 2 months. Once solid, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for easy storage. Thaw in the fridge before cooking. Reheating: For best results, reheat cooked Spinach Garlic Meatballs in a skillet with a splash of marinara sauce to keep them moist, or microwave for 1-2 minutes until heated through. What to Serve with Spinach Garlic Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs Pairing these cheesy meatballs with the right sides can transform your meal into a feast of flavors and textures. Creamy Polenta: Its smooth and buttery texture complements the meatballs beautifully, soaking up any extra marinara sauce. Garlic Bread: Crunchy and buttery, it’s perfect for mopping up sauce and pairs beautifully with the comforting ingredients. Serve along with a fresh garden salad. Tossed with a zesty vinaigrette, it adds a refreshing crunch that balances the richness of the meatballs. Classic Spaghetti Marinara: This traditional pairing adds a comforting element, with tender noodles soaking up the flavors of garlic and savory meat. Roasted Vegetables: Crisp-tender veggies like zucchini and bell peppers bring a hint of sweetness and vibrant colors to the plate. For a delightful finish, consider a warm piece of Tiramisu. It’s a classic Italian dessert that offers a light, coffee-flavored sweetness after the hearty main course. Spinach Garlic Meatballs Variations Feel free to get creative and customize these delicious meatballs to suit your taste buds! Meat Options: Substitute with ground pork or a blend for different flavors. Each variation brings its unique twist, so why not experiment with a combination for even more depth? Cheese Variants: Try using provolone or cheddar instead of mozzarella for a new take on that melty surprise. The different flavors can elevate your dish in unexpected ways. Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like basil or oregano for a fragrant enhancement. A sprinkle of chopped parsley can also provide a bright finish to your plates. Vegetable Inclusion: Incorporate diced bell peppers or mushrooms for added nutrition and texture. They not only provide color but also a delightful crunch in every bite. Mediterranean Twist: Feta cheese and olives can give a unique flavor profile, transporting your family to the sun-soaked shores of Italy. Barbecue Style: Glaze the cooked meatballs with barbecue sauce for a sweet and smoky variant. It’s a fun surprise that pairs beautifully with a fresh side salad. Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the meat mixture to ramp up the heat. This keeps everyone on their toes at the dinner table! With these ideas, you can make each batch of Spinach Garlic Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs a new adventure! If you’re looking for pairing suggestions, consider serving them alongside a lovely Strawberry Spinach Salad or some deliciously baked Garlic Lemon Butter Salmon. Enjoy your culinary journey! Expert Tips for Spinach Garlic Meatballs Chill Mozzarella: Using chilled mozzarella prevents leakage during cooking. This ensures a deliciously gooey center that surprises with every bite! Gentle Mixing: Avoid overmixing the meat mixture. This keeps your Spinach Garlic Meatballs tender; just fold the ingredients together until they’re combined. Sauté Spinach Well: Drain the sautéed spinach thoroughly to prevent any sogginess in the meatballs, maintaining the perfect texture. Allow Resting Time: Rest the cooked meatballs for 5 minutes before serving. This step locks in the juices, keeping each meatball moist and flavorful. Make-Ahead Advantage: Prepare uncooked meatballs in advance and freeze them for up to 2 months. Just thaw before cooking for a quick, comforting meal! Spinach Garlic Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs Recipe FAQs What should I look for when selecting fresh spinach? Absolutely! When choosing fresh spinach, look for vibrant green leaves that are crisp and free of dark spots or wilting. The leaves should feel tender but not slimy. A good bunch of spinach will make your meatballs extra nutritious and delicious! How long can I store cooked meatballs in the fridge? Cooked Spinach Garlic Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to let them cool completely before sealing. For best results during reheating, gently warm them in a skillet with a bit of marinara sauce or in the microwave. Can I freeze uncooked meatballs? Very much so! To freeze uncooked meatballs, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer for about 1-2 hours, or until they’re solid. Afterward, transfer the frozen meatballs to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months—just remember to thaw them in the fridge overnight before cooking! What if my meatballs fall apart during cooking? The more the merrier when it comes to proper mixing! To ensure your Spinach Garlic Meatballs hold together, make sure to mix the ingredients gently and enough to combine. Avoid overworking the meat mixture, as this can make them tough. Additionally, ensure your egg binds the ingredients properly and that you seal them well around the mozzarella center. Are these meatballs safe for people with gluten allergies? If you need a gluten-free option, absolutely! Simply substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives, such as crushed rice crackers or oat flour. This way, everyone can enjoy the cheesy goodness of these Spinach Garlic Meatballs without worry. Always check other ingredient labels to ensure they’re gluten-free! Spinach Garlic Meatballs with Cheesy Melts Inside Discover these Spinach Garlic Meatballs featuring gooey mozzarella that tantalize your taste buds and are perfect for any dinner gathering. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 25 minutes minsResting Time 5 minutes minsTotal Time 45 minutes mins Servings: 4 meatballsCourse: DinnerCuisine: ItalianCalories: 250 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Meat Mixture1 lb Ground Beef or Turkey These can be swapped for lean turkey for a healthier option.2 cups Fresh Spinach Sautéed to enhance flavor.2 cloves Garlic Minced for the best taste.1 small Onion Finely chopped (optional).1 Egg Binds the mixture.1 cup Breadcrumbs Use gluten-free options if needed.1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese Adds savory richness.1 tbsp Italian Seasoning Can use fresh herbs for better aroma.1 tsp Salt1 tsp Pepper1/2 tsp Red Pepper Flakes optional for spice.For the Cheesy Center8 oz Low-Moisture Mozzarella Cubes Ensure they’re chilled before using.For Garnishing1 tbsp Chopped Parsley optional for garnish. Equipment Skilletmixing bowlbaking sheet Method Cooking InstructionsStep 1: Sauté Spinach and Garlic. In a skillet heated over medium, add olive oil and minced garlic. Cook until golden, then add spinach until wilted. Cool and chop finely.Step 2: Mix Ingredients. In a bowl, combine ground beef or turkey, the spinach mixture, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Fold gently.Step 3: Form Meatballs. Flatten a handful of meat mixture, add a mozzarella cube, wrap it around, and shape into meatballs.Step 4: Cook Meatballs. Preheat oven to 400°F or heat skillet. Bake for 20-25 minutes or pan-sear for 6-8 minutes per side until browned.Step 5: Optional Simmer. For added flavor, simmer cooked meatballs in warm marinara sauce for 5-10 minutes.Step 6: Rest. Allow meatballs to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Nutrition Serving: 1meatballCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 18gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 350mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 20IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 10mg NotesChill mozzarella before use to prevent leakage during cooking. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze uncooked meatballs for up to 2 months. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
