Super Juicy Spinach and Mozzarella-Stuffed Meatballs with Garlic Recipe

Tender, juicy meatballs loaded with gooey mozzarella and vibrant spinach garlic recipe create a mouthwatering twist on classic comfort food.

These delectable bites pack an explosion of flavor in every single morsel.

Each meatball bursts with melted cheese and emerges packed with nutritious greens.

The combination of ground meat, herbs, and hidden cheese centers makes this dish absolutely irresistible.

garlic adds a robust depth that perfectly complements the rich, savory ingredients.

Home cooks will love how simple yet impressive these meatballs are to whip up.

Grab your ingredients and get ready to serve a meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Serving Stuffed Meatballs with Confidence

• Serve with Zesty Marinara Dip: Create a vibrant marinara sauce with fresh basil and crushed red pepper for a tangy companion to the meatballs.
• Pair with Creamy Polenta: Spread smooth, cheesy polenta on plates and nestle the moist meatballs on top for a comforting Italian-style meal.
• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley or basil over the meatballs to add a bright, fresh flavor and beautiful green color pop.
• Create a Hearty Sandwich: Slice meatballs in half and tuck them into a toasted ciabatta roll with melted provolone for a satisfying lunch option.

Storing Garlic-Stuffed Meatballs After Dinner

• Strategize Meal Prep: Assemble meatballs ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking, which helps flavors meld and saves precious weeknight cooking time.
• Freeze for Future Feasts: Uncooked meatballs can be individually wrapped and frozen for 2-3 months, making them perfect for quick emergency dinners or unexpected guest surprises.
• Refrigerate Cooked Delights: Store leftover cooked meatballs in airtight containers for 3-4 days, ensuring maximum freshness and maintaining delicious texture when reheated gently.
• Reheat with Care: Warm refrigerated or thawed meatballs in a covered skillet with a splash of marinara sauce or broth to prevent drying out, keeping them juicy and flavorful.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 456 kcal

Servings: 5

What You Need for Stuffed Mozzarella Meatballs

• Ground Beef: The hearty foundation that provides rich, meaty flavor and protein-packed texture; choose lean meat with moderate fat content for juiciness and optimal binding.
• Breadcrumbs: Acts as a binding agent and adds lightness to the meatballs; select fine, dry breadcrumbs for even distribution and smooth consistency.
• Eggs: Crucial for holding the mixture together and creating a tender meatball structure; use fresh eggs at room temperature for better integration.
• Milk: Enhances moisture and helps create a softer meatball texture; whole milk works best for richer results.

• Parmesan Cheese: Adds deep, nutty umami notes and helps bind ingredients; select freshly grated cheese for maximum flavor intensity.
• Garlic: Provides robust, aromatic undertones; choose firm, fresh cloves with no sprouting for most potent taste.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing overall flavor profile; use freshly ground black pepper for maximum zest.

• Spinach: Introduces vibrant color, nutrients, and earthy undertones; select fresh, crisp leaves without wilting or yellowing.
• Mozzarella: Creates a creamy, melty surprise inside the meatball; choose low-moisture variety for better melting performance.
• Olive Oil: Facilitates cooking and adds subtle fruity notes; opt for extra virgin olive oil for highest quality and flavor.

Tools to Shape and Stuff Meatballs with Garlic

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining and blending all meatball ingredients smoothly.
• Sharp knife: Perfect for finely chopping spinach and mincing garlic with precision.
• Skillet: Ideal for sautéing garlic and spinach, and later for pan-frying meatballs if desired.
• Baking sheet: Great for oven-baking meatballs evenly and catching any drippings.
• Cutting board: Provides a clean surface for chopping ingredients and forming meatballs.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions for consistent results.

How to Make Garlic Mozzarella Meatballs at Home

• Flavor Preparation

Gather all ingredients and chop spinach into tiny pieces. Mince garlic with care to release its aromatic essence.

• Spinach Sautéing

Warm olive oil in a skillet and gently cook garlic until its fragrance fills the kitchen. Add spinach and let it dance in the pan until soft and moisture disappears.

• Meatball Composition

Blend ground beef with cooled spinach mixture in a large bowl. Incorporate breadcrumbs, eggs, and Parmesan to create a harmonious meat mixture. Mix tenderly without crushing the ingredients.

• Cheese Heart

Form meat mixture into round spheres. Nestle a small chunk of mozzarella in the center, carefully sealing it within the meat’s embrace.

• Cooking Method

Select your preferred cooking technique:

Oven Route: Place meatballs on a lightly greased baking sheet. Roast at 375°F until edges turn golden and interior reaches perfect doneness.

Stovetop Journey: Sear meatballs in a hot skillet, creating a crispy exterior. Reduce heat and cover, allowing them to cook thoroughly and develop deep, rich flavors.

Garlic Meatball Tips and Variations

• Swap mozzarella with provolone, fontina, or gouda for a different flavor profile and creamy surprise inside each meatball.
• Replace ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option that still delivers rich, satisfying taste.
• Fold fresh chopped basil, parsley, or oregano into the meat mixture to elevate the aromatic complexity of your meatballs.
• Mix in red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce to transform these meatballs into a fiery, zesty version that'll tantalize your taste buds.
• Avoid overworking the meat mixture to prevent tough meatballs, and use fresh breadcrumbs for optimal texture and juiciness.

Hearty Meatballs Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Succulent spinach and mozzarella-stuffed meatballs combine Italian flavors with comforting textures. Garlic-infused and packed with herbs, these meatballs offer a delicious twist you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 lbs (907 g) ground beef
• 8 oz (226 g) mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes
• 2 cups fresh spinach, finely chopped
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup milk
• ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• salt and pepper to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prep Ingredients: Meticulously chop spinach and finely mince garlic, preparing them for culinary transformation with precision and care.
2. Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium flame. Sizzle garlic until fragrant, then introduce spinach, cooking until completely wilted and moisture evaporates. Season with salt and pepper, then transfer to a cooling plate.
3. Blend Mixture: In a spacious mixing vessel, combine ground beef, cooled spinach-garlic blend, breadcrumbs, beaten eggs, milk, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Gently fold ingredients, preserving meat’s delicate texture and avoiding excessive compression.
4. Form and Stuff Meatballs: Craft uniform spheres slightly larger than golf balls. Excavate a strategic cavity in each meatball’s center, nestling a mozzarella cheese cube within. Meticulously seal cheese completely inside the meat mixture, ensuring no gaps remain.
5. Cooking Technique: Select your preferred cooking method. For oven roasting, arrange meatballs on a greased baking sheet at 375°F (190°C), roasting 20-25 minutes until exterior achieves golden-brown perfection and interior reaches optimal doneness. Alternatively, for stovetop preparation, heat a thin oil layer in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear meatballs, rotating to ensure uniform browning, then reduce heat, cover, and continue cooking for 10 minutes until thoroughly cooked through.

Notes

• Cheese Sealing Technique: Completely encase mozzarella inside meatballs to prevent cheese leakage during cooking, ensuring a delightful molten center.
• Moisture Management: Thoroughly drain spinach after sautéing to prevent watery meatballs and maintain ideal meat texture.
• Gentle Mixing Method: Handle meat mixture delicately to keep meatballs tender and prevent dense, tough results.
• Temperature Precision: Use meat thermometer to confirm internal temperature reaches 160°F for safe ground beef consumption.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 456
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 595 mg
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 131 mg