Spinach garlic meatballs stuffed with mozzarella take the traditional meatball to a whole new level of flavor and indulgence. Packed with aromatic garlic, tender spinach, and a gooey mozzarella center, these meatballs are moist, savory, and endlessly versatile. Whether served with marinara over pasta, tucked into a sub roll, or plated with vegetables for a low-carb meal, they are sure to become a household favorite.
Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or appetizers, these meatballs combine wholesome ingredients with comforting textures — and they’re easier to make than you might think.
Ingredients
This recipe yields approximately 16 medium-sized stuffed meatballs.
For the Meatballs
- One pound ground beef or a beef and pork blend
- One cup cooked spinach, squeezed dry and finely chopped
- Three garlic cloves, minced
- One third cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Half cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if needed)
- One egg, lightly beaten
- One tablespoon olive oil
- One teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Half teaspoon salt
- Quarter teaspoon black pepper
For the Stuffing
- One cup mozzarella cheese, cubed into half-inch pieces
- Optional: Pinch of crushed red pepper for a spicy kick
Preparation Time
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cook time: 20 to 25 minutes
- Total time: 40 to 45 minutes
These meatballs can be baked or pan-seared and finished in sauce depending on your preference.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Filling and Preheat Oven
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Cut mozzarella into small cubes and place in the freezer while you prepare the meat mixture. This keeps the cheese from melting too quickly during cooking.
Step 2: Make the Meatball Mixture
- In a large bowl, combine ground meat, chopped spinach, minced garlic, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, egg, olive oil, seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Mix gently with clean hands or a spoon until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.
Step 3: Form and Stuff the Meatballs
- Scoop out about two tablespoons of the meat mixture and flatten slightly in your hand.
- Place one mozzarella cube in the center and wrap the meat around it, sealing the edges completely.
- Repeat with the remaining mixture and cheese, forming uniform meatballs.
Step 4: Bake or Sear
- Arrange the meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet or a lightly greased oven-safe skillet.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 160°F).
- Alternatively, pan-sear meatballs in olive oil until browned, then simmer in marinara sauce for 10 minutes to finish cooking.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve over spaghetti with marinara for a comfort-food classic.
- Pair with sautéed zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
- Tuck into a crusty sandwich roll with extra cheese and sauce for a gourmet meatball sub.
- Use as a party appetizer with toothpicks and a side of warm tomato sauce for dipping.
Nutritional Highlights
Here is the approximate nutrition per meatball (based on 16 total, using lean beef and part-skim mozzarella):
| Nutrient | Per Meatball |
|---|---|
| Calories | 130 |
| Protein | 10 grams |
| Fat | 8 grams |
| Saturated Fat | 3 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 3 grams |
| Fiber | 0.5 grams |
| Sugars | 0.5 grams |
| Sodium | 210 milligrams |
| Calcium | 90 milligrams |
| Iron | 1.2 milligrams |
Key Benefits:
- High in protein and calcium
- Lower in carbs than traditional breaded meatballs
- Includes spinach for added iron, fiber, and antioxidants
Tips for Best Results
- For extra moisture, avoid overcooking. Meatballs should be just done, not dry.
- If using frozen spinach, thaw completely and squeeze out as much liquid as possible.
- Keep mozzarella cubes small so the cheese stays inside while cooking.
- Double the batch and freeze extras. Reheat in the oven or simmer in sauce.
Variations to Try
- Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes or fresh basil for extra Italian flavor.
- Mix in chopped olives or artichoke hearts for a Mediterranean twist.
- Coat in buffalo sauce and serve with ranch or blue cheese for a bold appetizer.
Spinach garlic meatballs stuffed with mozzarella are a creative and delicious way to elevate everyday dinners. With a balance of hearty flavor, cheesy surprise, and healthy greens, this recipe brings comfort and nutrition together in one satisfying bite.
Whether you serve them with pasta, sauce, or as finger food, these meatballs will become a favorite for both casual meals and special occasions.