Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed with Mozzarella

Posted on May 19, 2025

Mozzarella-Stuffed Meatballs with Garlic & Spinach – Easy, Juicy, Delicious!

These Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed with Mozzarella are everything you love in one bite—juicy, cheesy, garlicky, and absolutely bursting with flavor! Imagine tender meatballs loaded with sautéed spinach and garlic, wrapped around gooey mozzarella, then baked or pan-fried to perfection. They’re easy to whip up for a quick weeknight dinner, but fancy enough to wow at parties or potlucks. Plus, they’re low-carb and super satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s a lot to love about these Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed with Mozzarella! First off, cheese-stuffed anything is always a win—and when it melts into the center of a flavorful meatball? Pure magic. These meatballs are super moist, thanks to the sautéed spinach, and have a garlic kick that keeps every bite interesting. They’re also easy to make ahead and freeze like a dream. Whether you’re feeding picky kids, hosting friends, or just craving comfort food with a twist, this recipe delivers big-time flavor with minimal fuss.

Ingredients

These meatballs come together with simple, wholesome ingredients you might already have in your kitchen. You’ll need ground meat, fresh spinach, garlic, and of course—melty mozzarella! Here’s everything you’ll need:

🛒 What You’ll Need:

1 lb (450g) ground beef or ground turkey
1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped
3–4 garlic cloves, minced
1 egg
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (use panko or almond flour for low-carb)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, but delicious)
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp Italian seasoning or dried oregano
4 oz (about 1 cup) mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes
1–2 tbsp olive oil (for pan-frying, optional)
Marinara sauce (optional, for serving)

Instructions

These meatballs are quick to assemble and cook in under 30 minutes. You can either bake or pan-fry them—both methods work great depending on your preference!

👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions:

Sauté the Spinach:
In a skillet over medium heat, add a drizzle of olive oil and sauté the chopped spinach until wilted (about 2–3 minutes). Let it cool slightly.
Mix the Meatball Base:
In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, sautéed spinach, minced garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan (if using), salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix until well combined—but don’t overmix!
Shape and Stuff:
Take a tablespoon-sized scoop of the meat mixture and flatten it slightly in your hand. Place a cube of mozzarella in the center, then wrap the meat around it and roll into a ball. Repeat until all meat is used.
Cook the Meatballs: To Pan-Fry:
Heat 1–2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook, turning occasionally, for 8–10 minutes until browned and cooked through. To Bake:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place meatballs on a lined baking sheet and bake for 18–20 minutes, or until cooked through and golden.
Serve:
Serve warm on their own, over pasta, or drizzled with marinara sauce.

Servings and Timing

Whether you’re meal prepping or hosting, this recipe is super flexible and easy to scale!

🍽️ Servings:

This recipe makes about 16 medium-sized meatballs, which serves 4–5 people as a main dish or 6–8 as an appetizer.

⏱️ Timing:

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
Total Time: 30–35 minutes

They come together fast, making them perfect for busy weeknights, game day snacks, or last-minute guests.

Tips and Variations

Want to customize your meatballs or take them to the next level? Here are some easy tips and fun twists!

💡 Tips:

Don’t overmix the meat mixture—it keeps the meatballs tender.
Chill the meatballs for 10–15 minutes before cooking if you have time. This helps them hold their shape better.
Use a cookie scoop to make evenly sized meatballs.

🔄 Variations:

Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños to the mix.
Swap the greens: Try kale or arugula instead of spinach.
Use different cheese: Swap mozzarella for cheddar, gouda, or a cube of feta for a fun flavor twist.
Gluten-free option: Use almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Serve over: Pasta, zucchini noodles, or tucked inside a sub roll for a cheesy meatball sandwich.

Storage

Got leftovers? No problem! These meatballs store and reheat beautifully, making them perfect for meal prep or next-day lunches.

🧊 How to Store:

Refrigerator: Store cooled meatballs in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze cooked (or uncooked) meatballs on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months.

🔁 How to Reheat:

Microwave: Heat on medium power in 30-second bursts until warmed through.
Oven: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes.
Skillet: Warm gently over low heat with a splash of water or marinara sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes! Just thaw it and squeeze out all the excess moisture before mixing it in.

2. What type of ground meat works best?
Ground beef, turkey, or chicken all work well. Just pick your favorite—or whatever’s in the fridge!

3. How do I keep the mozzarella from leaking out?
Make sure the cheese is fully enclosed in the meat. Chilling the meatballs before cooking helps too.

4. Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare and refrigerate them up to a day ahead or freeze them for later.

5. Are these meatballs keto-friendly?
Yes—just use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs and double-check your marinara sauce for added sugars.

6. What dipping sauces go well with these?
Marinara is classic, but ranch, garlic aioli, or even spicy sriracha mayo are delicious too.

7. Can I bake them instead of frying?
Yes! Baking is less hands-on and still gives great results. Just follow the instructions above for oven-baking.

Conclusion

These Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed with Mozzarella are the ultimate comfort food—cheesy, flavorful, and totally crave-worthy. They’re easy to prep, perfect for family dinners or appetizers, and totally customizable to fit your taste. Whether you’re going low-carb, gluten-free, or just chasing gooey mozzarella bliss, this recipe’s got you covered.

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Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed with Mozzarella

Why You’ll Love This Recipe