Quick Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed With Mozzarella Recipe

These juicy spinach garlic meatballs stuffed with mozzarella promise a flavor explosion that will make your taste buds dance.

Packed with Mediterranean charm, each bite delivers a surprising molten cheese center.

Herbs and spices weave magic through tender ground meat, creating an irresistible combination.

Succulent and golden-brown, these meatballs elevate any weeknight dinner from ordinary to extraordinary.

Crispy exteriors give way to a creamy mozzarella surprise that melts perfectly inside.

Fresh spinach adds vibrant green color and nutritious goodness to every morsel.

Quickly whip up this crowd-pleasing dish that looks impressive but comes together with minimal effort.

Savor the magic and let these meatballs become your new dinner favorite.

Why Spinach Garlic Meatballs With Mozzarella Are A Hit

• Create Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: These meatballs deliver ultimate satisfaction with their irresistible blend of ground beef and pork, promising a delightful meal that brings everyone together around the table.
• Master Gourmet Cheese Surprise: Stuffing each meatball with a molten mozzarella center transforms an ordinary dish into a gourmet experience, creating a delicious melty surprise that will wow family and friends.
• Customize with Endless Possibilities: Flexible recipe allows seamless adaptation by switching herbs, trying different cheese types, or pairing with various sauces, making it perfect for personalized meal adventures.
• Quick Weeknight Dinner Hero: Simple preparation and straightforward cooking technique mean you can have a restaurant-quality meal on the table without spending hours in the kitchen, ideal for busy households craving something special.

What You’ll Need For Spinach Garlic Mozzarella Meatballs

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that provides a rich and robust flavor to the meatballs.
• Ground Pork: Adds moisture and enhances the overall texture of the meatball mixture.

• Fresh Spinach, Garlic: Adds depth of flavor and introduces a nutritious green element to the meatballs.
• Parsley, Salt, Black Pepper: Provides aromatic herbs and essential seasoning to elevate the taste profile.

• Breadcrumbs, Eggs: Help bind the meat mixture together and create a light, tender meatball texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Contributes a savory, nutty undertone and assists in keeping the meatballs moist.

• Mozzarella Cheese: Creates a delightful melty surprise in the center of each meatball.
• Olive Oil: Used for browning and achieving a golden crust on the meatballs.

• Marinara Sauce, Pasta: Provides a classic accompaniment to complement the meatballs.

How To Make Mozzarella-Stuffed Spinach Meatballs

Step 1: Mix Meat Blend

Combine ground beef and ground pork in a large mixing bowl. Use your hands to blend the meats thoroughly, ensuring an even distribution of both types.

Step 2: Add Fresh Herbs and Aromatics

Finely chop fresh spinach and mince garlic. Fold these ingredients into the meat mixture, creating a vibrant and flavorful base.

Step 3: Create Meatball Mixture

• Breadcrumbs
• Beaten eggs
• Grated parmesan
• Chopped parsley
• Salt
• Black pepper

Gently mix the ingredients, being careful not to overwork the meat to maintain a tender texture.

Step 4: Form Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs

Divide the meat mixture into equal portions, shaping them into palm-sized balls. Create a small indent in the center of each meatball and carefully tuck a mozzarella cheese cube inside, completely sealing the cheese within the meat.

Step 5: Sear Meatballs to Golden Perfection

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place the meatballs into the hot skillet, allowing each side to develop a golden-brown crust. Rotate the meatballs every 3-4 minutes to ensure even cooking.

Step 6: Cook Until Fully Done

Continue cooking the meatballs for 12-15 minutes total. Verify that the internal temperature reaches 160°F to ensure safe consumption.

Step 7: Rest and Prepare for Serving

Transfer the meatballs to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil. Let them rest briefly before serving.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Garnish with additional fresh parsley if desired. Serve with marinara sauce or alongside your favorite pasta for a delicious meal.

Smart Cooking Tips For Stuffed Garlic Meatballs

• Select the Right Meat Blend: Use a combination of ground beef and pork for rich, balanced flavor and optimal moisture in your meatballs.
• Master Gentle Mixing Technique: Combine ingredients lightly with your hands to prevent dense, tough meatballs that can become rubbery.
• Hide Cheese Like a Pro: Completely seal mozzarella cubes inside the meat to create delightful melted cheese centers when cooked.
• Monitor Cooking Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure meatballs reach 160°F internally for safe and perfectly cooked results.
• Drain Excess Oil Smartly: Rest meatballs on paper towels after cooking to absorb extra grease and maintain a crispy exterior.

Creative Twists On Spinach Garlic Meatballs

• Veggie Protein Meatballs: Replace ground beef and pork with plant-based ground meat alternatives like Beyond Meat or Impossible Foods for a vegetarian version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap traditional breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
• Mediterranean Fusion: Substitute mozzarella with feta cheese and add oregano and mint for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Use ground chicken or turkey instead of beef and pork, and replace breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds for a keto-friendly alternative.

What To Serve With Mozzarella Meatballs

• Elevate Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs with Perfect Pairings
• Sip Chianti Classico: Medium-bodied red wine complements the rich meat's depth, cutting through the cheese's creaminess with balanced acidity.
• Serve Garlic Focaccia: Crusty Italian bread provides a perfect textural contrast, soaking up marinara sauce and enhancing the meatballs' hearty flavors.
• Create Fresh Arugula Salad: Peppery greens with lemon vinaigrette offer a bright, crisp counterpoint to the dense, savory meatballs, cleansing the palate between bites.
• Pour Craft Italian Pilsner: Crisp, light beer refreshes the palate, neutralizing the meat's richness while maintaining the dish's Italian culinary spirit.

Storing Your Mozzarella Meatballs The Right Way

• Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap individual meatballs in plastic wrap, place in freezer-safe bags, and store for up to 3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Place meatballs on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through. Stir between intervals to ensure even heating.
• Spread meatballs on a baking sheet, cover with foil, and warm at 350°F for 10-15 minutes. Add a splash of marinara sauce to prevent drying out and maintain moisture.

Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed With Mozzarella FAQs

• What meats work best for these meatballs?

Ground beef and ground pork create the perfect blend, offering rich flavor and ideal texture with balanced fat content.

• Can I prepare the meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can make meatballs in advance and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking, which helps the flavors meld together.

• How do I ensure the mozzarella stays inside the meatball?

Completely seal the cheese within the meat by forming a thick meat layer around the cheese cube and avoiding air pockets during shaping.

• Is there a trick to prevent meatballs from becoming tough?

Mix ingredients gently and avoid overworking the meat mixture, which helps maintain a tender and light texture during cooking.

Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed With Mozzarella Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Mouthwatering Spinach Garlic Meatballs stuffed with mozzarella blend Mediterranean flair with comfort food charm. Juicy protein pockets promise rich flavor and melty cheese surprise that will delight dinner companions.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 0.5 lb ground pork

Vegetables and Herbs:

• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Binding and Cheese:

• 0.5 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 large eggs
• 0.5 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 4 oz mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine ground beef and ground pork, ensuring an even blend of meats.
2. Finely chop fresh spinach and mince garlic, then incorporate them into the meat mixture for robust flavor infusion.
3. Add breadcrumbs, beaten eggs, grated parmesan, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper to the meat, mixing gently but thoroughly to maintain a light texture.
4. Divide the meat mixture into equal portions, creating palm-sized balls while being careful not to overwork the meat.
5. Create a small indent in the center of each meatball and carefully nestle a mozzarella cheese cube inside, completely sealing the cheese within the meat.
6. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, reaching approximately 375°F.
7. Carefully place meatballs into the hot skillet, allowing each side to develop a golden-brown crust, rotating every 3-4 minutes for even cooking.
8. Cook meatballs for 12-15 minutes total, ensuring internal temperature reaches 160°F for safe consumption.
9. Transfer meatballs to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil and allow slight resting before serving.
10. Optional: Garnish with additional fresh parsley and serve with preferred marinara sauce or alongside your favorite pasta.

Notes

• Meat Mixture Mastery: Gently mix ingredients to keep meatballs tender and light, avoiding overworking which can make them tough and dense.
• Cheese Sealing Technique: Completely encase mozzarella inside the meat to prevent cheese leakage during cooking, ensuring a molten surprise in every bite.
• Temperature Control: Use a meat thermometer to guarantee safe internal temperature of 160°F, preventing undercooked meat while maintaining juicy texture.
• Versatile Dietary Adaptations: Swap ground meats with ground turkey or plant-based alternatives for lighter versions, and use gluten-free breadcrumbs to accommodate different dietary needs.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg