Cheesy Spinach Garlic Meatballs: A Heavenly Stuffed Recipe

Savory spinach garlic meatballs stuffed with mozzarella promise a delightful twist on classic comfort food.

Tender ground meat combines with vibrant green herbs for an unexpected flavor explosion.

Cheese lovers will swoon over the molten mozzarella center that oozes with each bite.

Mediterranean influences shine through in this protein-packed dish that feels both familiar and exciting.

Packed with nutrients from fresh spinach, these meatballs deliver serious culinary satisfaction.

Home cooks can easily master this recipe with just a few simple ingredients and straightforward techniques.

Ingredients For Spinach Garlic Mozzarella Meatballs

• Ground Beef: A lean protein that provides the main structure and flavor for the meatballs.
• Spinach: A nutritious green vegetable that adds moisture and earthy flavor to the meat mixture.
• Minced Garlic: A pungent ingredient that enhances the overall taste of the meatballs.

• Breadcrumbs, Parmesan Cheese, Egg: These ingredients help bind the meatballs together and add richness and depth to the flavor.
• Salt, Black Pepper, Italian Seasoning: A blend of spices that creates a well-rounded and aromatic taste profile.

• Mozzarella Cheese: A soft, melty cheese that creates a surprise filling in the center of each meatball.
• Olive Oil: Used for cooking the meatballs and providing a light, golden-brown exterior.
• Marinara Sauce: A classic tomato-based sauce that complements the meatballs and adds moisture.
• Fresh Basil: An optional garnish that provides a fresh, herbal touch to the dish.

How To Cook Stuffed Spinach Garlic Meatballs

Step 1: Mixing the Meatball Base

Grab a spacious mixing bowl and toss in ground beef, finely chopped spinach, freshly minced garlic, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, and a single egg.

Sprinkle in some salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.

Gently fold and blend the ingredients, being careful not to overwork the mixture—this keeps the meatballs incredibly tender and juicy.

Step 2: Creating Mozzarella-Stuffed Spheres

Scoop out small portions of the meat mixture and flatten them in your palm.

Place a chunk of mozzarella right in the center.

Carefully wrap the meat around the cheese, ensuring a complete seal.

Roll into a perfect round ball.

Continue this process until you’ve used up all the meat mixture.

Step 3: Sizzling the Meatballs to Golden Perfection

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Carefully place the meatballs into the pan, making sure they’re not touching each other.

Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, rotating to achieve an even golden-brown exterior and ensuring they’re fully cooked through.

Step 4: Serving Up Deliciousness

Transfer the meatballs to a serving plate.

Drizzle with marinara sauce for dipping or nestle them atop a bed of pasta.

Sprinkle some extra Parmesan and fresh basil leaves for a final touch of flavor and visual appeal.

Helpful Tips For Stuffed Mozzarella Meatballs

• Gently mix ingredients to maintain a soft, tender texture in your meatballs, stopping when ingredients are just combined.
• Fully encase mozzarella cubes within the meat mixture to prevent cheese from leaking during cooking.
• Avoid overcrowding the skillet to ensure even browning and proper heat distribution for perfectly cooked meatballs.
• Experiment with different cheese types like provolone or add red pepper flakes for extra heat and complexity.
• Prepare meatballs in advance and refrigerate or freeze for quick meals during busy weeknights.

Flavor Enhancements For Spinach Garlic Meatballs

• Gluten-Free Mozzarella Meatballs: Replace breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the same rich flavor and texture.
• Turkey Spinach Cheese Bombs: Swap ground beef with lean ground turkey for a lighter protein option, keeping the spinach and mozzarella stuffing intact.
• Keto-Friendly Cheese-Filled Meatballs: Use ground pork or beef with crushed pork rinds instead of breadcrumbs, reducing carbohydrates while preserving the cheesy, herbal profile.
• Vegetarian Spinach Cheese Balls

Pairing Suggestions For Stuffed Mozzarella Meatballs

• Pasta Paradise: Serve these cheesy meatballs atop a bed of spaghetti or fettuccine, letting the marinara sauce cascade over the golden-brown spheres for a classic Italian-inspired meal.
• Appetizer Extravaganza: Transform these mozzarella-stuffed meatballs into party-perfect bite-sized treats by serving them on toothpicks with a small dish of marinara sauce for easy dipping at gatherings.
• Salad Surprise: Create a lighter option by slicing the meatballs and scattering them over a crisp mixed green salad, adding a protein-packed twist to your fresh greens with a drizzle of light vinaigrette.

Storage Guidelines For Spinach Garlic Meatballs

• Store cooled meatballs in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual meatballs tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label the bag with the date for easy tracking.
• Place meatballs on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature until warmed through.

FAQs

• How do I prevent the mozzarella from leaking out during cooking?

Make sure to completely seal the meatballs by pinching the meat mixture tightly around the cheese cube. Chill the formed meatballs for 15-20 minutes before cooking to help them hold their shape better.

• Can I bake these meatballs instead of pan-frying?

Yes, preheat the oven to 400°F and place meatballs on a lined baking sheet. Bake for 18-20 minutes, turning once halfway through cooking, until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F.

• Is there a way to make these meatballs healthier?

Use lean ground beef or substitute with ground turkey. You can also add more spinach or use whole wheat breadcrumbs to increase nutritional value.

Why Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed With Mozzarella Delight

• Bursting with Flavor: Packed with aromatic garlic, nutritious spinach, and melty mozzarella, these meatballs deliver an explosion of taste in every bite.
• Quick and Customizable Prep: Simple ingredients come together fast, letting you easily adjust seasonings or cheese type to match your family's preferences.
• Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: Perfect for weeknight dinners, game day appetizers, or party spreads – these meatballs work magic for multiple occasions and satisfy all ages.
• Protein-Packed Comfort: Combining ground beef with fresh vegetables creates a hearty, nutritious meal that feels indulgent while delivering solid nutritional value.

Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed with Mozzarella Recipe

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4.5 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mouthwatering spinach garlic meatballs stuffed with mozzarella blend Mediterranean flavors into a delightful culinary experience. Hearty protein-packed bites offer a cheesy surprise that satisfies hunger and delights senses with each savory bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef

Herbs and Vegetables:

• 1 cup fresh spinach
• 3 cloves garlic

Cheese and Binding Ingredients:

• 1 cup mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg

Seasonings:

• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Cooking Fat:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

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Instructions

1. Blend ground beef with finely chopped spinach, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning in a mixing bowl. Gently combine ingredients without overworking the meat to maintain tenderness.
2. Create small meat patties in your palm, placing a mozzarella cheese cube in the center. Carefully encase the cheese fully, rolling into compact spheres. Ensure each meatball is completely sealed to prevent cheese leakage during cooking.
3. Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, approximately 350°F. Arrange meatballs in batches, leaving space between each to promote even browning. Rotate periodically, cooking for 4-5 minutes until exterior turns golden and internal temperature reaches 160°F.
4. Transfer meatballs to a serving platter. Accompany with marinara sauce for dipping or nestle atop pasta. Enhance presentation by sprinkling additional Parmesan and garnishing with fresh basil leaves for a vibrant touch.

Notes

• Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create lighter, more digestible meatballs.
• Squeeze excess moisture from chopped spinach using a clean kitchen towel to prevent soggy meatballs.
• Chill the meat mixture for 30 minutes before forming balls to help them hold their shape better during cooking.
• For a gluten-free version, replace breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds to maintain texture and binding.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 398 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 415 mg
• Fat: 29 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 7 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg