The Juiciest Spinach and Mozzarella-Stuffed Meatballs with Garlic Recipe

Meatballs bursting with vibrant spinach and creamy mozzarella represent a delectable twist on traditional comfort food.

Tender, juicy protein becomes a canvas for unexpected flavor combinations that elevate home cooking.

Italian-inspired culinary techniques upgrade simple ingredients into something extraordinary and memorable.

Herbs and seasonings dance alongside melted cheese and leafy greens, creating a sensational bite that surprises the palate.

Every forkful promises a delightful blend of textures and robust tastes that feel both familiar and innovative.

Rich, hearty proteins merge seamlessly with fresh, bright ingredients to craft a dish that satisfies deep hunger.

Prepare to experience a classic recipe reimagined with bold, creative flair that will impress family and friends.

Spinach and Mozzarella-Stuffed Meatballs with Garlic: A Savory Feast

• Burst with Cheesy Surprise: Each meatball reveals a molten mozzarella core, creating an exciting moment of delightful melted cheese when you bite into it.
• Packed with Nutrient-Rich Greens: Spinach adds vibrant color, incredible nutrition, and a fresh earthy flavor that elevates the classic meatball recipe beyond traditional expectations.
• Flexible Cooking Options: Whether you prefer baking or pan-frying, these meatballs offer versatile preparation methods that suit different kitchen preferences and time constraints, making them perfect for busy home cooks.
• Restaurant-Quality Taste at Home: The combination of garlic-sautéed spinach, seasoned beef, and gooey mozzarella delivers a gourmet experience that feels like a restaurant-style dish prepared right in your own kitchen.

Ingredients for Spinach and Mozzarella-Stuffed Meatballs with Garlic

• Ground Beef: Rich and flavorful base for meatballs, choose lean ground beef for healthier option.
• Breadcrumbs: Helps bind ingredients and creates tender texture, use plain or seasoned varieties.
• Eggs, Milk: Natural binders that keep meatballs moist and help hold mixture together.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds depth of flavor and helps enhance overall taste profile.

• Spinach: Provides nutritional boost and vibrant green color, fresh spinach works best.
• Garlic: Adds aromatic flavor and subtle pungent notes to the meatball mixture.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasoning to enhance overall taste of the dish.

• Mozzarella: Creamy cheese center that creates delightful melted surprise inside meatballs, use low-moisture variety for best results.
• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing and cooking, helps prevent sticking and adds subtle flavor.

How to Make Spinach and Mozzarella-Stuffed Meatballs with Garlic

Step 1: Gather Ingredients

• Ground beef
• Fresh spinach
• Garlic
• Mozzarella cheese
• Breadcrumbs
• Eggs
• Milk
• Parmesan cheese
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper

Step 2: Prepare Spinach Mixture

Finely chop spinach and mince garlic. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant. Toss in spinach and cook until completely wilted and moisture disappears, about 3-4 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer to a plate and let cool.

Step 3: Create Meat Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, cooled spinach mixture, breadcrumbs, beaten eggs, milk, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Gently mix ingredients, avoiding overmixing to keep meat tender.

Step 4: Form Cheese-Filled Meatballs

Roll meat mixture into golf ball-sized spheres. Create a small pocket in each meatball’s center. Insert a cube of mozzarella cheese, ensuring it’s completely covered by meat.

Step 5: Cook Meatballs

Choose your cooking method:

• Preheat oven to 375°F
• Place meatballs on greased baking sheet
• Bake 20-25 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked

• Heat thin layer of oil in skillet
• Sear meatballs on all sides until golden
• Reduce heat, cover, and cook 10 minutes

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Remove meatballs from heat. Let rest for 2-3 minutes. Plate and serve hot with your favorite side dish or sauce.

Best Tips for Spinach and Mozzarella-Stuffed Meatballs with Garlic

• Chill the Mixture: Refrigerate the meat mixture for 30 minutes before forming meatballs to help them hold their shape and prevent crumbling during cooking.
• Seal Cheese Completely: Ensure the mozzarella is fully enclosed to prevent cheese from leaking out during cooking, creating a messy, disappointing result.
• Don't Overwork the Meat: Mix ingredients gently to keep the meatballs tender and prevent them from becoming tough or dense.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: Check internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) for perfectly cooked, safe-to-eat meatballs without drying out the meat.
• Choose Quality Ingredients: Select fresh spinach, high-quality ground beef, and full-fat mozzarella for the most flavorful and juicy meatballs possible.

Storing and Reheating Spinach and Mozzarella-Stuffed Meatballs with Garlic

• Refrigerate leftover meatballs in an airtight container within two hours of cooking. Store them flat without stacking to maintain their shape and prevent moisture buildup. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating Methods
• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, place meatballs on a baking sheet, cover with foil, and warm for 10-15 minutes. This method helps retain moisture and restore their original texture.
• Microwave: Spread meatballs on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through. Add a splash of marinara sauce to prevent drying out.
• Freezing Option: Wrap cooled meatballs individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.

Pairing Spinach and Mozzarella-Stuffed Meatballs with Garlic

• Pair with Zesty Marinara Magic: Dip these cheesy meatballs into a vibrant homemade marinara sauce that cuts through the richness with its bright tomato tang and herbs.
• Complement with Crisp Tuscan Salad: Create a light side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a lemon-olive oil dressing to balance the hearty meatballs.
• Match with Robust Red Wine: Choose a medium-bodied Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese that stands up to the meat's robust flavor and melts perfectly with the mozzarella's creaminess.
• Serve Alongside Garlic Bread: Prepare crusty garlic bread to soak up any extra sauce and provide a crunchy texture contrast to the soft, cheesy meatballs.

Spinach and Mozzarella-Stuffed Meatballs with Garlic: Variations

• Herb Explosion Meatballs: Replace spinach with a mix of fresh basil, parsley, and thyme for an aromatic Mediterranean-inspired version that bursts with herbal flavors.
• Spicy Jalapeño Cheese Bombs: Incorporate finely diced jalapeños into the meat mixture and swap mozzarella for pepper jack cheese to create a fiery, zesty meatball experience.
• Mediterranean Lamb Fusion: Substitute ground beef with ground lamb, add crumbled feta cheese instead of mozzarella, and mix in oregano and mint for a Greek-inspired protein-packed meal.
• Smoky Sundried Tomato Meatballs: Fold chopped sundried tomatoes into the meat mixture, use smoked mozzarella for the center, and sprinkle with smoked paprika to enhance the rich, deep flavor profile.

Spinach And Mozzarella-Stuffed Meatballs With Garlic Recipe

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4.8 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savory spinach and mozzarella-stuffed meatballs bring Italian comfort to your dinner table. Juicy beef embraces melted cheese and fresh spinach, creating a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

main ingredients:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) ground beef
• 8 ounces (226 grams) mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes
• 2 cups fresh spinach, finely chopped

binding and seasoning ingredients:

• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup milk
• ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) if baking. Meticulously chop the spinach and finely mince the garlic, preparing them for the culinary process.
2. Warm of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the minced garlic until aromatic, approximately 1 minute. Add spinach and cook until completely wilted and moisture dissipates, roughly 3-4 minutes. Enhance with salt and pepper, then transfer to a plate for cooling.
3. In a spacious mixing bowl, amalgamate ground beef, cooled spinach-garlic mixture, breadcrumbs, beaten eggs, milk, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Gently fold ingredients to maintain meat’s tenderness, avoiding excessive manipulation.
4. Craft uniform meatballs approximately the size of golf balls. Create a small cavity in each meatball’s center, strategically inserting a mozzarella cheese cube. Carefully seal the cheese completely within the meat mixture.
5. Choose cooking method:

Oven Method: Position meatballs on a greased baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes until exterior turns golden brown and interior reaches proper doneness.

Stovetop Method: Heat a thin oil layer in a skillet over medium-high temperature. Sear meatballs, rotating to achieve uniform browning. Reduce heat, cover, and continue cooking for 10 minutes until thoroughly cooked.

Notes

• Mozzarella Surprise: Melted cheese hidden inside each meatball creates an irresistible gooey center that bursts with flavor when you bite into it.
• Versatile Cooking Methods: Choose between baking or pan-frying depending on your kitchen setup, time, and preference for crispy or tender texture.
• Spinach Power Boost: Adding fresh spinach packs these meatballs with extra nutrients, vibrant color, and a subtle earthy taste that complements the beef.
• Gentle Mixing Matters: Handle the meat mixture delicately to keep the meatballs tender and prevent them from becoming tough or dense.
• Perfect Portion Control: Golf ball-sized meatballs ensure even cooking and make for an ideal serving size that’s not too big or small.
• Cheese Sealing Technique: Completely enclosing the mozzarella prevents cheese from leaking out during cooking, maintaining a juicy and flavorful result.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking/Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 520 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 650 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 16 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 1.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 42 g
• Cholesterol: 210 mg