Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed with Mozzarella

These Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed with Mozzarella are juicy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. Made with seasoned ground beef, fresh spinach, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and a gooey mozzarella center, these meatballs are perfect for weeknight dinners, appetizers, meal prep, or party platters. The melted mozzarella hidden inside each meatball creates an irresistible cheese pull, while the spinach adds freshness and extra nutrition. Serve them with marinara sauce, pasta, roasted vegetables, or enjoy them on their own for a protein-packed meal.

Ingredients For the Meatballs

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped and squeezed dry
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 large egg
• ¼ cup breadcrumbs
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

For the Filling

• 12 small cubes mozzarella cheese

For Cooking

• 2 tbsp olive oil

Optional for Serving

• Marinara sauce
• Fresh parsley
• Extra Parmesan cheese

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Spinach

• Wash and finely chop the spinach.
• Squeeze out any excess moisture using paper towels or a clean kitchen towel.
• Set aside.

Step 2: Make the Meatball Mixture

• In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, chopped spinach, Parmesan cheese, garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
• Mix gently until everything is evenly incorporated.
• Avoid overmixing, as this can make the meatballs dense.

Step 3: Form the Meatballs

• Divide the mixture into 12 equal portions.
• Flatten one portion in your palm.
• Place a cube of mozzarella in the center.
• Wrap the meat mixture completely around the cheese and roll into a smooth ball.
• Repeat with the remaining mixture and mozzarella cubes.

Step 4: Heat the Pan

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Once hot, carefully add the meatballs.

Step 5: Brown the Meatballs

• Cook for 2–3 minutes on each side.
• Turn frequently to brown evenly.
• The outside should develop a golden-brown crust.

Step 6: Finish Cooking

• Reduce heat to medium-low.
• Cover the skillet with a lid.
• Continue cooking for 8–10 minutes until the meatballs are fully cooked and reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).

Step 7: Optional Sauce Finish

• If desired, pour marinara sauce over the meatballs.
• Simmer for 5 minutes to absorb extra flavor.

Step 8: Serve

• Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.
• Serve hot while the mozzarella center is still melted and gooey.

Tips & Notes

• Use lean ground beef for the best balance of flavor and texture.
• Make sure the mozzarella is fully enclosed to prevent leaking.
• Fresh mozzarella cubes create the best cheese pull.
• These meatballs can also be baked at 400°F (200°C) for 18–20 minutes.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

Q&A

Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Yes. Assemble the meatballs up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate until ready to cook.
Q: Can I freeze them?
A: Absolutely. Freeze uncooked or cooked meatballs for up to 3 months.
Q: What can I serve with these meatballs?
A: Pasta, zucchini noodles, roasted vegetables, garlic bread, or a fresh salad pair perfectly.
Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
A: Yes. Ground turkey or chicken works well as a lighter alternative.

Servings

• Serves: 4–6

Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 24g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 420mg

These Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed with Mozzarella combine tender seasoned beef, fresh spinach, savory Parmesan, and a melty mozzarella center into one delicious bite. They’re easy to prepare, family-friendly, and versatile enough to serve as an appetizer, main course, or meal-prep favorite. The gooey cheese filling and flavorful meatball exterior make this recipe a guaranteed crowd-pleaser every time.