A Cheesy Surprise in Every Bite
These Spinach Garlic Meatballs are a tender, savory treat filled with gooey mozzarella and packed with fresh spinach and garlic flavor. Baked or pan-seared to golden perfection, these meatballs deliver a rich Italian-inspired experience—perfect as an appetizer, over pasta, or on their own.
The surprise of melted cheese inside makes them irresistible!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- 🧀 Cheese-Stuffed Center: Melty mozzarella oozes out in every bite.
- 🥬 Healthy Spinach Boost: Adds color, texture, and nutrition without overpowering the meat.
- 🧄 Garlic & Herb Flavor: Fragrant garlic and Italian seasoning make every bite feel restaurant-quality.
- ⏱️ Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes—no complicated steps.
- 🎉 Great for Sharing: Perfect at dinner parties, family nights, or meal prep.
Ingredients (Makes 16–20 meatballs):
For the Meatball Mixture:
- 1 lb ground beef (or beef-pork mix for extra juiciness)
- 1 cup fresh spinach , finely chopped (or frozen, thawed and drained)
- 3 cloves garlic , minced
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned – helps bind the mixture)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (adds salty depth and structure)
- 1 large egg (to hold everything together)
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning (or basil/oregano blend)
For the Cheese Stuffing:
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese , cut into small cubes (about 4 oz)
For Cooking:
- 2 tbsp olive oil (or cooking spray for lighter version)
Optional Serving:
- Marinara sauce, warm pasta, fresh basil, and more Parmesan
Instructions:
Step 1: Mix the Meatball Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine:
- Ground beef (or beef-pork)
- Chopped spinach
- Minced garlic
- Breadcrumbs
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Egg
- Salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning
Gently mix everything together until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.
Let the mixture rest in the fridge while preparing the mozzarella cubes.
Step 2: Prepare the Mozzarella Cubes
Cut mozzarella cheese into 1-inch cubes and set aside.
Tip: For easier stuffing, chill the cubes in the fridge for 10 minutes—they’ll be less slippery to handle.
Step 3: Shape and Stuff the Meatballs
Take 1–2 tablespoons of the meat mixture and flatten it gently in your palm.
Place a mozzarella cube in the center.
Wrap the meat around the cheese, pressing the edges together to seal completely.
Roll into a smooth ball between your palms.
Repeat with remaining mixture and cheese.
Tip: If the meat doesn’t hold well, refrigerate the mixture for 15–20 minutes to firm up.
Step 4: Cook Until Golden
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat .
Cook meatballs in batches—don’t overcrowd the pan.
Brown each side for 4–5 minutes , turning gently until fully cooked through (internal temp of 160°F / 70°C ).
Alternatively, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes , flipping halfway.
Step 5: Serve Warm & Cheesy
Serve hot with:
- A side of warm marinara sauce for dipping
- Over spaghetti or zucchini noodles for a full plate
- With crusty bread and a green salad for balance
Each bite will give you:
- Savory garlic-spinach flavor
- Rich herb-seasoned meat
- And that glorious cheese-filled surprise!
Tips for Success:
- 🧊 Use Cold Hands: Helps prevent sticking while shaping the meatballs.
- 🧁 Don’t Overmix: Can lead to tough meatballs—combine just until ingredients are incorporated.
- 🧀 Mozzarella Matters: Use low-moisture mozzarella or cut it just before using to avoid sogginess.
- ❄️ Make Ahead Magic: Assemble and refrigerate overnight or freeze uncooked meatballs for future meals.
- 🥘 Protein Swap Option: Use ground chicken or turkey for a lighter version—just add extra seasoning.
Serving Suggestions:
- Ideal for game day, weeknight dinners, or lunch boxes.
- Great as appetizers, main dish, or part of an Italian platter.
- Perfect for kids and adults alike—serve with dipping sauces for fun variety.
Nutritional Information (per meatball, makes 16 servings – approximate):
(Without sauce or pasta – based on regular beef and mozzarella)
- Calories: ~110 kcal
- Protein: ~6g
- Carbohydrates: ~2g
- Fat: ~8g
- Fiber: ~0.5g
- Sugar: ~0.5g
These Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed with Mozzarella prove that even classic dishes can have a delightful twist. With their soft, herby meat exterior and molten cheese center—they’re a crowd-pleasing favorite that deserves a spot on your table.
So go ahead and make this batch today… because once you taste that cheesy surprise—you’ll be making them again and again!
