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Spinach Mozzarella Garlic Meatballs

Category: Satisfying Main Courses for Every Occasion

These tender meatballs combine ground beef, fresh spinach, savory garlic, and a melty mozzarella center for exceptional flavor in every bite. Carefully mixed and gently formed to remain moist, each meatball is cooked in olive oil until perfectly browned. The hidden mozzarella melts inside for a rich surprise, while Italian seasoning and Parmesan bring depth to the mix. Serve these irresistible bites hot with marinara sauce or atop your favorite pasta. Their savory combination of cheese, greens, and herbs makes them a standout for cozy dinners or entertaining alike.

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Loura is a chef and she is standing in front of a table full of fruits and vegetables.
Updated on Thu, 12 Jun 2025 22:09:13 GMT
A plate of food with meat and greens. Save
A plate of food with meat and greens. | recipesfoodyummy.com

These spinach garlic and mozzarella meatballs bring together tender greens melty cheese and rich meats for the ultimate comfort food. I love making these for relaxed dinners because their gooey centers and savory flavors always get rave reviews from family and guests alike.

The first time I made these I was looking for a way to get my kids excited about spinach Today they ask for seconds before I even sit down to eat

Ingredients

  • Ground beef or a mix of beef and pork: Savory base Choose well marbled meat for extra tenderness
  • Fresh spinach: Finely chop it Adds nutrient density and keeps the meatballs moist Look for bright green leaves
  • Garlic: Freshly minced Brightens the meatballs Use firm bulbs free from green sprouting
  • Breadcrumbs: Help hold everything together Use fresh or panko for lighter texture
  • Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds umami richness Grate from a wedge for best flavor
  • Large egg: Binds the mixture Use very fresh eggs preferably pasture raised
  • Fine salt: Enhances overall flavor
  • Ground black pepper: Adds subtle spiciness Use freshly ground if possible
  • Italian seasoning blend: Brings herby notes
  • Mozzarella cheese: Cube it for the gooey center Use whole milk mozzarella for meltier results
  • Olive oil: Needed for browning Choose extra virgin for the best flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Mix the Meatball Base:
Gently combine ground beef spinach garlic breadcrumbs Parmesan egg salt pepper and Italian seasoning in a large bowl Use your hands to mix just until everything is incorporated to avoid tough meatballs
Shape and Fill:
Scoop about one to two tablespoons of meat mixture Flatten it in your palm Place a mozzarella cube in the center Gently fold and seal the meat around the cheese making sure none of the cheese sticks out Form into a ball Repeat for all the meat and cheese
Brown the Meatballs:
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat Add meatballs in batches so you do not crowd the pan Cook on one side for four to five minutes until deeply browned Turn and brown the other sides Continue until cooked through and the cheese is melted inside
Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the meatballs hot with your favorite marinara sauce on the side or over pasta Sprinkle with more Parmesan and maybe a few fresh basil leaves for color and zing
A plate of food with a sauce. Save
A plate of food with a sauce. | recipesfoodyummy.com

Every time I open the fridge and see a box of these leftover meatballs I am reminded of the night my youngest asked to help stuff each one We made a huge mess but those are the nights I cherish

Storage Tips

Store cooked meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days If freezing let them cool and freeze on a tray Transfer to a bag or container and reheat gently from frozen

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap in ground turkey or chicken for a lighter take Gluten free breadcrumbs also work well If you do not have parmesan try Pecorino for a sharper flavor

Serving Suggestions

Serve over spaghetti or creamy polenta as a hearty dinner These also make fun appetizers stick toothpicks in and serve with warm marinara at gatherings

Spinach and Cheese in Italian Cooking

Italian kitchens have long used spinach and soft cheeses Together they add both nutrition and that special pull apart gooiness Italians often stuff pasta or breads this way and these meatballs are my twist on tradition

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I keep the mozzarella inside the meatballs?

Ensure each portion of meat mixture is flattened, then completely enclose the mozzarella cube without gaps before rolling into a ball. This prevents leaking during cooking.

→ Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, thaw and squeeze excess moisture from frozen spinach before adding. This helps maintain the right texture and prevents sogginess.

→ What sauce pairs well with these meatballs?

Marinara sauce is a classic choice, but creamy Alfredo or pesto also work well for serving alongside or over pasta.

→ How can I ensure my meatballs stay tender?

Be gentle when mixing and forming the meatballs, and avoid overworking the mixture to keep the texture tender and juicy.

→ Is it possible to bake these instead of frying?

Yes, arrange formed meatballs on a baking sheet and bake at 200°C (400°F) for 18–22 minutes until cooked through and golden.

→ Can I substitute other types of cheese for mozzarella?

Provolone or fontina are great alternatives and melt well, offering a different flavor twist while keeping the meatballs cheesy inside.

Spinach Mozzarella Garlic Meatballs

Tender meatballs filled with gooey mozzarella, fresh spinach, and garlic, finished with Italian seasoning.

Prep Time
20 mins
Cooking Time
20 mins
Total Duration
40 mins
By: Loura

Recipe Type: Main Dishes

Skill Level: Intermediate

Cuisine: Italian

Portions Yielded: 4 Serving Size (16–18 meatballs)

Dietary Preferences: ~

What You'll Need

→ Meatball Base

01 450 g ground beef or a mixture of beef and pork
02 1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped
03 3 cloves garlic, minced
04 60 ml breadcrumbs
05 25 g grated Parmesan cheese
06 1 large egg
07 0.5 teaspoon fine salt
08 0.25 teaspoon ground black pepper
09 0.5 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend

→ Filling and Cooking

10 1 cup mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes
11 2 tablespoons olive oil

Steps To Follow

Step 01

Using a large mixing bowl, gently blend ground meat, chopped spinach, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning until just combined.

Step 02

Scoop out 1 to 2 tablespoons of the meat mixture, flatten it in your palm, position a mozzarella cube at the center, then enclose the cheese completely by wrapping the meat around it. Form into a ball and repeat with the remaining ingredients.

Step 03

Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Arrange meatballs in batches, ensuring the pan is not overcrowded. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side until evenly browned and cooked through.

Step 04

Enjoy the meatballs hot with marinara sauce for dipping or over cooked pasta. Garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh basil if desired.

Notes and Tips

  1. Do not overmix the ingredients to preserve tenderness and ensure each meatball is fully sealed to contain the mozzarella during cooking.

Required Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Large skillet
  • Measuring utensils

Allergy Info

Double-check every ingredient for possible allergens and consult a health professional if you're unsure.
  • Contains dairy, eggs, and gluten; individuals with allergies to these ingredients should avoid consumption.

Nutritional Info (per serving)

These details are for informational purposes only and shouldn't replace medical advice.
  • Caloric Content: 315
  • Fats: 21.8 g
  • Carbohydrates: 5.4 g
  • Proteins: 22.7 g