Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed with Mozzarella are exactly what comfort food dreams are made of. Imagine juicy meatballs seasoned with garlic and herbs, packed with fresh spinach, and hiding a melty mozzarella center—baked until golden and served hot. Whether you’re planning a weeknight dinner, prepping meals for the freezer, or making something special for friends, this recipe delivers rich flavor and crowd-pleasing results with surprisingly little effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Key Benefits

There’s a lot to love here. First, the texture—crispy edges, juicy inside, and that gooey cheese pull when you bite in. It’s everything a good meatball should be, with a little extra wow factor.

They’re easy to prepare but feel special. Think weeknight-friendly with weekend flavor. And if you’re into meal prep, these freeze beautifully.

Want to keep it lean? Use ground turkey or chicken. Need a gluten-free version? Sub in almond flour for breadcrumbs. This recipe flexes to fit your life.

Suitable For

These meatballs are a crowd-pleaser for just about everyone. They’re great for kids (cheese inside meatballs? Yes, please), perfect for anyone looking to sneak in some extra greens, and ideal for anyone who wants dinner to be both delicious and unfussy.

Serve them on their own with a little marinara, pair them with pasta, or tuck them into sub rolls for a next-level sandwich. They shine in just about every setting—from quiet weeknights to family potlucks.

Ingredients for Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed with Mozzarella

Core Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to bring these savory bites to life:

• Ground beef or turkey (1 lb) – Rich and flavorful, this forms the base. Turkey gives a lighter option.

• Fresh spinach (1 cup, finely chopped) – Adds color, nutrients, and moisture.

• Garlic (3 cloves, minced) – Brings bold, aromatic flavor.

• Breadcrumbs (½ cup) – Helps bind the mixture and keep things tender.

• Parmesan cheese (¼ cup, grated) – Adds depth and a salty kick.

• Egg (1 large) – Essential for binding.

• Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon) – A balanced mix of herbs for flavor.

• Salt and pepper (to taste) – Always taste and adjust.

• Mozzarella balls or cubes (6–8 pieces, about 1 inch) – The heart of the dish—melts beautifully inside.

• Olive oil – For browning in the pan.

These simple ingredients come together into something surprisingly elegant and satisfying.

Substitutions and Tips

Want to tailor the recipe to your pantry or dietary needs? Here are some go-to swaps:

• Ground chicken instead of beef or turkey for an even leaner twist.

• Almond flour in place of breadcrumbs for a gluten-free or low-carb version.

• Vegan mozzarella to make them dairy-free (just be sure it melts well).

• If you’re out of Italian seasoning, use a mix of dried basil, oregano, and a pinch of thyme.

• Pre-wash and dry the spinach well—too much moisture can make your meatballs soggy.

These swaps don’t sacrifice flavor. They just make the recipe yours.

Best Mozzarella for Stuffed Meatballs

Mozzarella is the star here, so choosing the right type matters. Look for low-moisture mozzarella or small mozzarella balls (bocconcini). They melt beautifully and hold their shape inside the meatball without oozing out too quickly.

Avoid shredded mozzarella—it’s convenient, but it doesn’t deliver the same gooey center and tends to leak more.

Tip: If using a block of mozzarella, cut it into 1-inch cubes and pat dry with a paper towel to reduce excess moisture. This helps keep all that delicious cheese exactly where you want it—inside the meatball.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Must-Have Tools

You don’t need a fancy setup to make these, but a few basics will help the process go smoothly:

• Mixing bowl – For combining your ingredients.

• Skillet – For browning the meatballs before baking.

• Baking sheet – To finish them in the oven.

• Parchment paper or foil – Keeps cleanup easy and prevents sticking.

Nice-to-Have Tools

These aren’t essential but can make things a little easier:

• Meatball scoop – Helps with evenly sized portions.

• Silicone brush – Handy for brushing oil or sauce.

• Air fryer – A great alternative to oven baking, especially if you’re short on time.

How to Make Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed with Mozzarella

Let’s get into the heart of it—making these meatballs is easier than you might think, and with a little prep and a few simple steps, you’ll be pulling a tray of golden, cheesy meatballs from the oven in no time. Here’s how to do it from start to finish.

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. You’ll want it ready to go by the time your meatballs hit the pan.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with oil to prevent sticking. This also makes for quicker cleanup, which is always a win.

Step 2: Make the Meatball Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, chopped spinach, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

Now, here’s the key: don’t overmix. Use your hands or a fork to gently fold the ingredients together just until everything is combined. Overworking the mixture can make the meatballs tough instead of tender and juicy.

If the mixture feels too wet or sticky, you can add a little more breadcrumbs—a tablespoon at a time—until it’s easy to shape.

Step 3: Stuff with Mozzarella

Scoop out about two tablespoons of the meat mixture and flatten it slightly in your palm, like you’re making a small patty. Place a cube or small ball of mozzarella in the center, then wrap the meat around the cheese and roll it into a smooth ball.

Be sure to seal the cheese well inside so it doesn’t melt out during cooking. It helps to chill the stuffed meatballs for 10 minutes before browning if your kitchen is warm or the mixture feels soft.

Step 4: Brown the Meatballs

Heat a bit of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Working in batches if needed, brown the meatballs on all sides—this takes about 2 to 3 minutes per side. You’re not cooking them through here, just giving them a golden crust and extra flavor.

Use tongs to turn them gently. If some cheese peeks out during this step, don’t worry—it only adds to the deliciousness.

Once browned, transfer the meatballs to your prepared baking sheet.

Step 5: Bake Until Done

Slide the tray into your preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the cheese inside is melted and bubbly.

To check for doneness, you can cut one open—no pink in the center, and the cheese should be beautifully gooey. If you’re using a thermometer, aim for an internal temp of 165°F.

Once out of the oven, let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving.

Tips for Success

Want to make sure your meatballs turn out perfect every time? Here are a few tricks that make all the difference:

• Don’t overmix your meat mixture. Gentle handling keeps the texture light.

• Seal the mozzarella completely. Any cracks in the meatball can cause the cheese to leak out while baking.

• Chill before cooking if the meatballs feel soft or sticky. This helps them hold their shape.

• Use a scoop to portion out the meatballs evenly. This ensures they cook at the same rate.

These are simple steps, but they really do elevate the results.

How to Store Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed with Mozzarella

These meatballs store wonderfully, which makes them a great option for meal prep or planning ahead for a busy week.

At Room Temperature

After baking, they can sit at room temperature for up to 2 hours. If you’re serving them at a party, keep them warm in a low oven or a covered dish.

In the Refrigerator

Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or use the microwave in short bursts to avoid drying them out.

Freezing Tips

You can freeze these meatballs either before or after cooking:

• To freeze before cooking: Shape and stuff the meatballs, then arrange them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag or container. When ready to cook, thaw overnight in the fridge or cook from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time.

• To freeze after cooking: Let them cool completely, then freeze in a single layer before storing in a container or bag. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until heated through.

Frozen meatballs will keep well for up to 3 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can prep and shape the meatballs up to a day in advance and keep them covered in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. Or freeze them for longer storage.

Can I use an air fryer instead of baking?

Yes, and it works great. After browning the meatballs, air fry them at 375°F for about 10 to 12 minutes, checking that they’re fully cooked and the cheese has melted inside.

What can I serve with these?

These meatballs are super versatile. Pair them with spaghetti and marinara sauce, serve them over polenta, or tuck them into toasted sub rolls. They also make a fantastic appetizer with toothpicks and a bowl of warm sauce for dipping.

How do I keep the cheese from leaking out?

Make sure you fully encase the mozzarella with the meat mixture, and give the meatballs a quick chill before cooking. Using low-moisture mozzarella also helps prevent leaks.

Related Recipes

If you loved these Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed with Mozzarella, you might also enjoy:

• Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipes – Creamy and rich, perfect for garlic lovers.

• Cheesy Rotini with Garlic Butter Ground Beef – A hearty pasta dish with big comfort food vibes.

• Golden Garlic Chicken Bites over Creamy Parmesan Pasta – Bite-sized and loaded with cheesy, garlicky flavor.

• Cottage Cheese Spinach Crustless Quiche Recipe – A lighter, protein-rich recipe also using spinach.

• Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta – Another great option for fans of stuffed, garlicky comfort food.

Conclusion

There’s something so satisfying about biting into a warm, tender meatball and discovering that gooey mozzarella center. These Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed with Mozzarella are more than just a meal—they’re the kind of recipe that brings people to the table.

Whether you’re trying something new for dinner, stocking your freezer, or planning a party appetizer, this recipe delivers every time. Give it a try and see just how easy and fun it is to bring a little melted magic into your kitchen.

And if you do make them, don’t forget to share your version—every cook adds their own special touch.

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