The Juiciest Spinach and Mozzarella-Stuffed Meatballs Recipe

Meatballs packed with spinach and mozzarella craft an ordinary protein into a culinary adventure that bursts with unexpected flavors.

Some dishes transcend basic meal expectations by combining classic ingredients in surprising ways.

Mediterranean-inspired cooking often relies on clever techniques that elevate simple components into something extraordinary.

Crafting these savory spheres requires careful balance between meat, cheese, and verdant greens for maximum deliciousness.

Professional chefs understand that texture and taste must harmonize perfectly within each bite-sized creation.

Regional influences and personal creativity play significant roles in developing memorable recipes that spark excitement at the dinner table.

Prepare to impress family and friends with this innovative twist on a traditional favorite.

Why Spinach and Mozzarella-Stuffed Meatballs Are a Hit

• Surprise Inside Delight: Meatballs hide a molten mozzarella core that creates an unexpected burst of cheesy goodness when you bite into them, transforming an ordinary meal into a gourmet experience.
• Quick and Easy Weeknight Winner: These meatballs come together in under 30 minutes, making them perfect for busy families seeking a delicious dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Nutrient-Packed Protein Punch: Spinach mixed directly into the meat adds a healthy boost of vitamins and minerals, while keeping the meatballs moist and adding a subtle earthy flavor that even picky eaters will enjoy.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Serve these meatballs over pasta, in sandwiches, or as a standalone appetizer, making them adaptable for everything from casual family dinners to impressive dinner parties.

Ingredients for Stuffed Meatballs with Spinach and Mozzarella

• Ground Beef, Ground Pork: Rich, flavorful meat base that provides protein and structure for the meatballs.

• Mozzarella, Parmesan Cheese: Creamy, melting cheese that adds rich flavor and creates a surprise center in the meatballs.

• Spinach: Fresh green vegetable that adds nutrition and color to the meatball mixture.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that brings depth and traditional Italian flavor.

• Egg: Essential binder that helps hold the meatball mixture together.
• Breadcrumbs: Helps absorb moisture and create a tender texture in the meatballs.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Italian Seasoning: Classic spice combination that provides balanced and traditional seasoning.

• Olive Oil: Provides a smooth cooking surface and adds a subtle Mediterranean flavor when frying meatballs.

How to Make Spinach and Mozzarella-Stuffed Meatballs

Step 1: Create Flavor-Packed Meat Mixture

• Ground meat
• Finely chopped spinach
• Minced garlic
• Breadcrumbs
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Cracked egg
• Pinch of salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Sprinkle of Italian seasoning

Gently mix ingredients until just combined, avoiding overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.

Step 2: Craft Cheese-Hidden Meatballs

• Take 1-of meat mixture
• Flatten the mixture in your palm
• Place a cube of mozzarella in the center
• Carefully wrap meat around the cheese
• Seal edges completely
• Roll into a perfect round ball

Repeat until all meat mixture is transformed into stuffed meatballs.

Step 3: Sizzle and Cook

• Cook meatballs in batches
• Avoid overcrowding the pan
• Rotate every 4-5 minutes
• Ensure even browning
• Cook until fully done
• Look for golden-brown exterior

Serve hot and enjoy the surprise of melted cheese inside each bite!

Expert Tips for Cheesy Stuffed Meatballs

• Seal Carefully: Press the edges of the meat mixture firmly when wrapping mozzarella to prevent cheese from leaking during cooking.
• Control Meat Temperature: Let ground meat sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before mixing to ensure more even binding and better texture.
• Cheese Selection Matters: Use low-moisture mozzarella cubes to reduce excess liquid and prevent cheese from completely melting out.
• Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Cook meatballs in batches to maintain consistent heat and achieve a perfect golden-brown exterior.
• Test for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature reaches 160°F, ensuring safe and thoroughly cooked meatballs without drying out.

Best Way to Store and Reheat Mozzarella Meatballs

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container within two hours after cooking. Cool meatballs completely before storing to prevent moisture buildup. Properly stored meatballs will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of marinara sauce to prevent drying out. Alternatively, warm in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to retain moisture. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F to ensure food safety. Microwave as a last resort, heating in 30-second intervals to maintain texture and prevent rubbery consistency.
• Freeze extra meatballs in a sealed freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.

What Complements Stuffed Meatballs Best

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Choose a medium-bodied Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the rich, savory meatballs. The wine's acidity cuts through the meat's richness while enhancing the spinach and cheese flavors.
• Serve with Crusty Garlic Bread: The crispy, buttery bread provides a perfect texture contrast to the juicy meatballs. Its garlicky notes will echo the minced garlic in the recipe and help soak up any delicious pan juices.
• Match with Fresh Arugula Salad: Create a light, peppery salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to balance the hearty meatballs. The salad's bright, zesty flavor will refresh the palate between bites of the protein-packed dish.
• Complement with Marinara Dipping Sauce: A classic tomato-based marinara adds extra moisture and tanginess to the meatballs. Its herbs and slightly acidic profile will enhance the Italian seasoning already present in the meat mixture.

Spinach and Mozzarella Meatball Variations to Explore

• Herb Garden Surprise: Replace Italian seasoning with fresh chopped basil, oregano, and thyme for a bright, aromatic herb flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Mix: Swap ground meat with ground lamb, add crumbled feta cheese instead of mozzarella, and incorporate diced sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean-inspired version.
• Spicy Jalapeño Kick: Mix finely chopped jalapeños into the meat mixture, use pepper jack cheese for the stuffing, and sprinkle red pepper flakes for an extra spicy punch.
• Lean Protein Swap: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, and incorporate grated zucchini for added moisture and nutrition while keeping the meatballs light and healthy.

Spinach And Mozzarella-Stuffed Meatballs Recipe

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4.9 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Juicy meatballs packed with creamy mozzarella and tender spinach create an irresistible Italian-inspired dish. Hearty and satisfying, these meatballs promise a delightful flavor journey that will make you crave more with each savory bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef or a mix of beef and pork
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Binding and Seasoning:

• 1 large egg
• ¼ cup breadcrumbs
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 2 tablespoons olive oil for cooking

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Instructions

1. In a spacious mixing vessel, thoroughly blend ground protein, finely chopped verdant leafy greens, aromatic garlic, crisp breadcrumbs, aged Parmesan, beaten egg, seasoning elements, and herb blend until ingredients just integrate without overmixing.
2. Portion the meat mixture into segments, gently flattening each portion across your palm to create a delicate disc shape.
3. Position a compact cube of fresh mozzarella precisely in the center of each meat disc, carefully enveloping the cheese with surrounding meat mixture, ensuring complete sealing without exposed cheese.
4. Gently rotate each protein parcel between palms, crafting uniform spherical shapes with smooth exterior surfaces.
5. Warm extra virgin olive oil across a substantial cast-iron or heavy-bottomed skillet, maintaining medium heat around 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
6. Strategically place prepared meatballs into heated oil, maintaining sufficient spacing to prevent overcrowding and promote even caramelization.
7. Rotate morsels every 3-4 minutes, allowing each side to develop a rich golden-brown exterior and ensuring internal temperature reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit (71 degrees Celsius) for complete protein cooking.
8. Transfer cooked meatballs onto paper towel-lined surface to absorb excess oil before serving.

Notes

• Elevate your meatball game with this cheesy spinach-stuffed version that transforms an ordinary dish into a gourmet experience.
• Ensure the mozzarella is completely sealed inside the meat mixture to prevent cheese leakage during cooking.
• Achieve perfect browning by cooking meatballs in batches, giving each one enough space to develop a delicious golden crust.
• Use fresh garlic and high-quality Parmesan for maximum flavor depth in your meat mixture.
• Keep the meat mixture slightly chilled before forming meatballs to help them hold their shape better during cooking.
• Test doneness by checking the internal temperature reaches 160°F, guaranteeing safe and juicy meatballs every time.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 358 kcal
• Sugar: 0.5 g
• Sodium: 420 mg
• Fat: 26 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 135 mg