If you’re looking for a dish that feels like a warm hug after a long day, then these Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed with Mozzarella are just what you need. They’re packed with flavor and made with wholesome ingredients that make every bite satisfying. This recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need something quick yet delicious, or to impress your family at gatherings. Trust me, once you try these meatballs, they’ll become a go-to in your kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up these meatballs in no time.
Family-Friendly: Everyone loves cheesy goodness! These meatballs are sure to please both kids and adults alike.
Make Ahead: Prepare them in advance and store for later — they’ll taste just as good when reheated.
Versatile Dish: Enjoy them on pasta, in sandwiches, or on their own as appetizers; the options are endless!
Delicious Flavor: The combination of garlic, spinach, and melty mozzarella creates an irresistible taste that you’ll crave.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple and wholesome ingredients to bring these Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed with Mozzarella to life! You might already have some of these staples in your kitchen.

Ingredients:
– 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20)
– 2 cups fresh spinach (about 4 oz), sautéed and chopped (or 1/2 cup well-drained frozen spinach)
– 8 oz low-moisture mozzarella, cut into small cubes
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (regular or gluten-free)
– 1 large egg
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– 2–3 tbsp olive oil (for searing)

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to switch things up based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

Swap the protein: Try using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
Add more veggies: Mix in finely grated zucchini or carrots for extra nutrition and moisture.
Change the cheese: Experiment with different cheeses like provolone or cheddar for unique flavor twists.
Herb it up: Add fresh basil or oregano for an aromatic kick that complements the garlic perfectly.

How to Make Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed with Mozzarella

Step 1: Prepare the Spinach

Start by sautéing the minced garlic in olive oil until it becomes fragrant. This step is essential as it infuses the oil with rich garlic flavor. Then add your fresh spinach and cook until it wilts down. Don’t forget to squeeze out any excess moisture afterward — this will help keep your meatballs from becoming soggy!

Step 2: Mix the Meat

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef with breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, salt, pepper, egg, and that lovely sautéed spinach. Gently mix everything together until it’s just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want tender meatballs!

Step 3: Form and Stuff

Now comes the fun part! Take a portion of the meat mixture and flatten it slightly in your palm. Place a cube of mozzarella right in the center and carefully seal the meat around it to form a ball. Repeat this process until you’ve used up all your mixture — each meatball will have that gooey surprise inside!

Step 4: Sear the Meatballs

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear those beautiful meatballs in batches for about 2–3 minutes per side until they are golden brown all over. Searing adds a lovely texture and depth of flavor.

Step 5: Finish Cooking

You have two options here! You can either cover the skillet and cook on low for another 5–7 minutes until cooked through or transfer them to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10–12 minutes. Either way works beautifully; just aim for juicy meatballs that are fully cooked!

Now you’re ready to serve these delightful Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed with Mozzarella! Enjoy them over pasta, inside crusty bread, or just on their own — they’re sure to be a hit!

Pro Tips for Making Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed with Mozzarella

Making these meatballs is a delightful experience, and a few simple tips can elevate your dish even further!

Use fresh spinach: Fresh spinach adds a vibrant flavor and texture that frozen alternatives may lack. The freshness makes the meatballs more enjoyable and visually appealing.
Don’t overmix the meat: Gently mixing the ingredients helps maintain a tender texture. Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs, which are not as enjoyable to eat.
Chill the meatballs before cooking: If you have time, refrigerating the formed meatballs for 30 minutes allows them to firm up. This helps them hold their shape better during cooking.
Experiment with seasonings: Feel free to add your favorite herbs or spices, such as oregano or crushed red pepper flakes. Customizing the flavor profile can make this dish uniquely yours.
Sear for extra flavor: Searing the meatballs creates a delicious crust that locks in moisture and enhances the overall taste. This step is key to achieving that mouthwatering, golden-brown exterior.

How to Serve Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed with Mozzarella

These flavorful meatballs can be served in various ways, making them perfect for any occasion. Whether as an appetizer or a main dish, they are sure to impress your guests!

Garnishes

Fresh basil leaves: A sprinkle of fresh basil adds a burst of color and an aromatic touch that complements the flavors beautifully.
Grated Parmesan cheese: A light dusting of grated Parmesan on top elevates the dish’s richness and ties together all the flavors wonderfully.

Side Dishes

Spaghetti or Pasta: Serve these meatballs over your favorite pasta tossed in marinara sauce for a classic combination that everyone loves.
Garlic Bread: Crunchy garlic bread pairs perfectly with these meatballs, providing a wonderful texture contrast and making it easy to savor every last bite.
Roasted Vegetables: A medley of roasted seasonal vegetables adds healthiness and color to your plate, balancing out the richness of the meatballs.
Green Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing crunch that cuts through the savory flavors of the meatballs perfectly.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, you’re all set to enjoy Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed with Mozzarella in style! Happy cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed with Mozzarella are not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep! You can make a big batch ahead of time and enjoy them throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

Store the cooked meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
They will keep well for up to 3 days.
To maintain their texture, avoid stacking them too tightly.

Freezing

Allow the meatballs to cool completely before freezing.
Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.

Reheating

To reheat from frozen, bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes.
If reheating refrigerated meatballs, heat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, about 5-7 minutes.
You can also microwave them, covered, for 1-2 minutes or until heated thoroughly.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about these delightful meatballs!

Can I make Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed with Mozzarella gluten-free?

Yes! Simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs in place of regular breadcrumbs. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

How do I ensure my Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed with Mozzarella stay moist?

To keep the meatballs juicy, be sure not to overmix the ingredients. Also, adding sautéed spinach helps retain moisture during cooking.

What can I serve with Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed with Mozzarella?

These meatballs pair wonderfully with pasta, crusty bread, or even tucked into a sub sandwich. They’re versatile enough for any meal!

Can I use different cheese instead of mozzarella?

Absolutely! While mozzarella adds that gooey texture, you can experiment with provolone or even vegan cheese alternatives if you’re looking for a dairy-free option.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed with Mozzarella! They truly bring together flavors that everyone will love and are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying them as a main dish or an appetizer, I’m sure they will become a family favorite. Happy cooking, and don’t hesitate to share your experience — I’d love to hear how they turn out!