Perfect Spinach Garlic Meatballs: Gooey Mozzarella-Stuffed Recipe

Spinach garlic meatballs stuffed with mozzarella revolutionize an everyday protein into a culinary adventure that surprises and delights.

Bold ingredients dance together, creating a harmonious blend of rustic charm and gourmet sophistication.

These delectable spheres pack an unexpected punch of flavor that challenges traditional meatball expectations.

Herbs and cheese intertwine, promising a rich sensory experience with each carefully crafted bite.

Tender meat becomes the perfect canvas for an innovative filling that melts and mingles.

Comfort food reaches new heights when classic techniques meet creative preparation.

You’ll find these meatballs irresistible.

Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed With Mozzarella: A Savory Meal

• Explosion of Cheesy Surprise: Each meatball hides a molten mozzarella center that melts gloriously when bitten, creating an unexpected burst of creamy goodness that transforms an ordinary meatball into a delightful culinary adventure.
• Nutritional Powerhouse Combo: Packed with lean proteins from beef and pork, complemented by nutrient-rich spinach, these meatballs deliver a balanced meal that satisfies hunger while providing essential vitamins and minerals for a wholesome dining experience.
• Quick and Versatile Weeknight Wonder: Ready in under an hour, this recipe offers maximum flavor with minimal effort, making it perfect for busy families seeking a delicious dinner that can be served over pasta or enjoyed as a standalone dish with minimal cleanup.
• Texture-Rich Culinary Masterpiece: The combination of crispy pan-fried exterior, tender meat interior, and gooey cheese center creates a multi-dimensional eating experience that tantalizes taste buds and provides an exciting contrast in every single bite.

Must-Have Ingredients for Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed With Mozzarella

• Ground Beef, Ground Pork: Protein-rich base that provides hearty flavor and tender texture, best with 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio for juiciness.
• Eggs: Binding agent that helps hold meatballs together and adds richness.
• Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a softer meatball texture.

• Garlic, Parmesan Cheese: Flavor enhancers that add depth and savory notes, choose fresh garlic for most intense taste.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out the meats natural flavors.
• Breadcrumbs: Helps absorb moisture and creates a lighter, more tender meatball structure.

• Spinach: Adds nutrition, color, and earthy flavor, fresh spinach recommended for best texture.
• Mozzarella: Provides creamy, melty center that creates a delightful surprise when biting into meatballs.
• Marinara Sauce: Classic sauce that complements meatballs with tangy tomato flavor.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing spinach and browning meatballs, extra virgin preferred for better taste.

How to Make Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed With Mozzarella

Step 1: Prepare Spinach Base

Warm olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add fresh spinach and gently toss until it wilts completely. Sprinkle in minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes. Finely chop the spinach mixture and allow it to cool down to room temperature.

Step 2: Create Meatball Mixture

• Ground beef
• Ground pork
• Breadcrumbs
• Eggs
• Milk
• Minced garlic
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Cooled spinach mixture

Mix ingredients thoroughly until well incorporated.

Step 3: Shape and Stuff Meatballs

Divide the meat mixture into equal portions. Create a small pocket in each meatball and insert a cube of mozzarella cheese. Carefully seal the meatball, ensuring the cheese is completely enclosed.

Step 4: Brown and Sauce Meatballs

Heat oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Gently place meatballs into the skillet and cook until golden brown on all sides. Pour marinara sauce around the meatballs.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Cover the skillet with aluminum foil. Transfer to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Confirm internal temperature reaches 165°F using a meat thermometer.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Remove meatballs from the oven. Plate over your favorite pasta and drizzle with additional marinara sauce if desired. Serve hot and savor the cheesy, spinach-packed goodness!

Tips for Perfect Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed With Mozzarella

• Chill the Mixture: Refrigerate the meat mixture for 30 minutes before forming meatballs to help them hold their shape and prevent crumbling.
• Wet Hands Technique: Dampen hands with water when shaping meatballs to prevent sticking and create smoother, more uniform balls.
• Cheese Placement Trick: Push mozzarella cubes deep into the center of each meatball, ensuring they're fully enclosed to prevent cheese leakage during cooking.
• Even Browning Secret: Use a cast iron skillet for consistent golden-brown exterior and develop rich, caramelized flavors before baking.
• Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature, ensuring meatballs are perfectly cooked without becoming dry or tough.

Storing and Reheating Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed With Mozzarella

• Refrigeration: Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, they'll stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Ensure the container is shallow to help cool the meatballs quickly and prevent bacterial growth.
• Freezing: Pack meatballs in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Frozen meatballs maintain top quality for up to 3 months. Label the container with the date for easy tracking.
• Reheating: Warm refrigerated meatballs in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, ensuring they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. For frozen meatballs, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Pairing Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed With Mozzarella with Pasta

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Choose a medium-bodied Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the rich, savory meatballs and cut through their cheesy center.
• Serve Alongside Crusty Garlic Bread: The crispy, garlicky bread provides a perfect texture contrast and helps soak up the delicious marinara sauce.
• Match with Fresh Arugula Salad: Create a light, peppery side salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to balance the hearty meatballs and add a refreshing element to the meal.
• Complement with Roasted Vegetable Medley: Prepare a colorful mix of roasted zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant to enhance the spinach flavor and add nutritional depth to the dish.

Fun Variations of Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed With Mozzarella

• Mediterranean Fusion: Replace pork with ground lamb and add mint leaves to the spinach mixture for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Spicy Southwest Kick: Mix in diced jalapeños and replace Parmesan with pepper jack cheese for a zesty southwestern variation.
• Protein Power Boost: Substitute half the ground meat with ground turkey and add quinoa to the breadcrumb mixture for increased nutritional value.
• Keto-Friendly Option: Use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs, replace milk with heavy cream, and serve over cauliflower rice to make the recipe low-carb friendly.

Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed with Mozzarella Recipe

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4.7 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Succulent spinach garlic meatballs conceal melted mozzarella inside their juicy core, offering Mediterranean charm with each delightful bite. Rich herbs and carefully blended ingredients create an irresistible blend that promises comfort and flavor in one perfect Italian-inspired dish.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 pound ground pork
• 3 eggs (use 4 if they are small)
• 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped

Cheese and Bread Components:

• 2.25 cups bread crumbs
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• Mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes

Additional Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) baby spinach, fresh
• 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1–2 tablespoons olive oil
• Splash of milk
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 jar Rao’s marinara sauce
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

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Instructions

1. Wilt fresh spinach in a skillet with olive oil over medium heat, then infuse with minced garlic for 1-2 minutes. Finely chop the spinach and allow it to cool completely.
2. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, eggs, whole milk, minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, kosher salt, black pepper, and cooled chopped spinach. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
3. Create medium-sized meatballs, using approximately of meat mixture for each. Press a small cube of mozzarella cheese into the center of each meatball, ensuring the cheese is completely enclosed.
4. Heat vegetable oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully brown the meatballs on all sides until they develop a golden-crisp exterior, approximately 3-4 minutes per side.
5. Pour marinara sauce around the meatballs in the skillet, ensuring they are partially submerged. Cover the skillet tightly with aluminum foil.
6. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the meatballs reaches 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
7. Remove from the oven and let the meatballs rest for 3-5 minutes. Serve hot over your preferred pasta, drizzling additional marinara sauce on top if desired.

Notes

• Cheese lovers will find pure joy in these mozzarella-stuffed meatballs bursting with hidden spinach goodness.
• Mixing ground beef and pork creates a richer, more complex flavor profile that elevates traditional meatball recipes.
• Sautéing spinach and garlic beforehand ensures deep, concentrated flavor and prevents excess moisture in the meat mixture.
• Quick pan-frying before baking helps develop a beautiful golden-brown crust that seals in moisture and adds incredible texture.
• Pro tip: Use room temperature ingredients for better binding and more consistent meat mixture performance.
• Leftover meatballs can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for maximum convenience and future meal prep.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 720 kcal
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 1200mg
• Fat: 42g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 24g
• Trans Fat: 0.5g
• Carbohydrates: 56g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 44g
• Cholesterol: 240mg