Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed with Mozzarella Bliss

Name: Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed with Mozzarella Bliss
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup breadcrumbs; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 egg; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 cup mozzarella cheese, cubed; 1 jar marinara sauce

oktober 6, 2025

By:

Julia marin

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Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite comfort food: spinach garlic meatballs stuffed with mozzarella! Seriously, these little gems are bursting with flavor and ooze cheesy goodness with every bite. The combination of fresh spinach and fragrant garlic in the meatballs is simply irresistible, and the surprise of gooey mozzarella in the center? Wow! It’s like a warm hug on a plate. Whether I’m having a cozy night in or impressing friends at dinner, these meatballs never disappoint. Plus, they’re super easy to whip up! I can practically smell them baking just thinking about it. Trust me, you’re going to want to make these for your next meal. Let’s dive into the details, shall we?

spinach garlic meatballs stuffed with mozzarella - detail 1

Ingredients List

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 pound ground beef
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped (Make sure it’s really fresh for the best flavor!)
2 cloves garlic, minced (Feel free to adjust if you’re a garlic lover like me!)
1 cup breadcrumbs (I prefer plain, but seasoned works too!)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup mozzarella cheese, cubed (This is the gooey goodness that makes it special!)
1 jar marinara sauce (For serving—homemade or store-bought, your choice!)

How to Prepare Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed with Mozzarella

Preheat the Oven

First things first, let’s get that oven preheating to 400°F (200°C). Trust me, preheating is key! It ensures your meatballs cook evenly and gives them that lovely golden-brown exterior. While it’s heating up, you can get everything else ready—multitasking at its finest!

Mix the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 pound of ground beef, 2 cups of chopped fresh spinach, and 2 minced cloves of garlic. I like to use my hands for this part—just dive in and mix it all together! Then, add in 1 cup of breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1 egg, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Make sure everything is well combined, but don’t overmix; you want to keep that lovely texture!

Form and Stuff the Meatballs

Now for the fun part! Grab a handful of the meat mixture and form it into a ball—about the size of a golf ball works great. Here’s the secret: take a cube of mozzarella (about an ounce) and press it into the center of the meatball before sealing it up. Make sure to encase that cheesy goodness well, so it doesn’t leak out during baking. Set the stuffed meatballs aside on a plate while you finish the rest!

Bake the Meatballs

Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure to leave space between them—this helps them cook evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they’re cooked through and reach a nice golden color. You can check for doneness by cutting one in half; the center should no longer be pink and the cheese should be beautifully melty!

Serve with Marinara Sauce

Once those meatballs are out of the oven, it’s time to dig in! I love to serve them warm with a generous drizzle of marinara sauce over the top. You can also sprinkle a little extra Parmesan cheese for that gourmet touch. Pair them with some crusty bread or over a bed of spaghetti for a truly delightful meal. Enjoy every cheesy, savory bite!

Nutritional Information

Now, let’s talk about the nutrition of these scrumptious spinach garlic meatballs stuffed with mozzarella! Each serving, which is about 4 meatballs, packs a decent punch while keeping things balanced. Here’s the typical breakdown:

Calories: 350
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 80mg
Sodium: 600mg
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 2g
Protein: 25g

These values are estimates, of course, and will vary based on the specific ingredients you use. But rest assured, you’re getting a hearty serving of protein and a good dose of veggies with each bite! Enjoy these meatballs guilt-free, knowing they’re not just delicious but also packed with goodness.

FAQ Section

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a fantastic alternative if you’re looking for a leaner option. Just keep in mind that turkey tends to be a bit drier than beef, so you might want to add a splash of broth or an extra egg to keep those meatballs moist. The flavor will still be delicious with the spinach and garlic, trust me!

How do I store leftovers?

If you happen to have any leftovers—though I doubt it because they’re so good—you can store the meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure to keep the marinara sauce separate to avoid sogginess. You can reheat them in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat, adding a bit of extra sauce to keep them juicy.

Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

You bet! These spinach garlic meatballs stuffed with mozzarella are great for meal prep. You can form the meatballs a day in advance, keep them in the fridge, and then bake them when you’re ready to enjoy. Alternatively, you can freeze them before baking—just lay them out on a baking sheet until they’re firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to cook, you can bake them straight from the freezer; just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick preparation—ready in just 40 minutes!
Simple baking method, no frying mess to deal with.
Deliciously savory flavor from fresh spinach and garlic.
Gooey mozzarella center that melts in your mouth.
Perfect for meal prep or a cozy family dinner.
Kid-friendly and sure to please picky eaters!
Versatile for serving—great with pasta, bread, or on their own.
Healthy option packed with protein and veggies.
Easy to customize with your favorite herbs or spices.

Tips for Success

Alright, let’s make sure your spinach garlic meatballs stuffed with mozzarella turn out absolutely perfect! Here are some of my top tips to avoid common pitfalls:

Don’t skip the preheating: Remember, preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) is essential for achieving that lovely, golden-brown crust. It really makes a difference!
Use fresh ingredients: Fresh spinach and garlic will elevate the flavor of your meatballs dramatically. Trust me, you’ll taste the difference!
Avoid overmixing: When mixing the meat and other ingredients, be gentle! Overmixing can lead to tough meatballs. Just mix until everything is combined.
Keep the cheese inside: When stuffing your meatballs with mozzarella, make sure to seal them well. If there are gaps, that gooey goodness might leak out during baking!
Space them out: Give your meatballs some room on the baking sheet. This allows hot air to circulate, helping them cook evenly and develop that nice color.
Check for doneness: Always cut one meatball in half to check that it’s cooked through. The center should be no longer pink, and you should see that delicious melted cheese!
Let them rest: After baking, let your meatballs rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps redistribute the juices and keeps them moist.
Get creative: Don’t be afraid to add your own twist! Try different herbs or spices to personalize the flavor of your meatballs.

With these tips in mind, you’ll be ready to impress everyone with your delicious, cheesy meatballs. Enjoy the process—you’ve got this!

Variations

One of the best things about these spinach garlic meatballs stuffed with mozzarella is how easily you can customize them to suit your taste! Here are some fun variations to consider:

Herb Infusion: Add fresh or dried herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme to the meat mixture for an aromatic twist. Just a teaspoon or two can elevate the flavor profile beautifully!
Spicy Kick: If you like a little heat, throw in some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños. It’ll give your meatballs a nice spicy zing that pairs perfectly with the creamy mozzarella.
Mushroom Medley: Finely chop some mushrooms and sauté them before adding to the mixture. They bring an earthy flavor and extra moisture that complements the spinach and garlic.
Cheese Lovers: Mix in a blend of cheeses instead of just mozzarella—think ricotta or cheddar for added flavor and creaminess!
Italian Sausage: Replace half of the ground beef with Italian sausage for a richer, more savory flavor. Just be mindful of the seasoning since sausage can be salty.
Veggie Power: Add finely grated zucchini or carrots for added nutrition and moisture. It’s a sneaky way to incorporate more veggies into your meal!
Asian Twist: Swap out the garlic for ginger and add some soy sauce and green onions for an Asian-inspired flavor. Serve with a sweet chili sauce for dipping!

Feel free to mix and match these ideas based on what you have on hand or what you’re craving. The possibilities are endless, and that’s what makes cooking so much fun! Enjoy experimenting!

Serving Suggestions

Now that you’ve whipped up these delicious spinach garlic meatballs stuffed with mozzarella, let’s talk about how to make your meal truly unforgettable! Here are some of my favorite serving ideas that will take your dinner to the next level:

Pasta Delight: Serve your meatballs over a bed of spaghetti or penne tossed in marinara sauce. The combination of pasta and meatballs is a classic that never gets old!
Crusty Bread: Pair these meatballs with a side of warm, crusty garlic bread. It’s perfect for soaking up all that delicious marinara sauce!
Salad Freshness: A light, crisp salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a balsamic vinaigrette is a refreshing contrast to the savory meatballs. It adds a nice balance to your meal!
Veggie Medley: Roasted or steamed seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus make for a colorful and nutritious side dish. They complement the flavors of the meatballs beautifully.
Rice or Quinoa: Serve your meatballs alongside fluffy rice or quinoa for a heartier option. You can even stir in some herbs or lemon zest to brighten it up!
Cheesy Baked Polenta: For something different, try serving your meatballs over creamy baked polenta. The soft texture pairs wonderfully with the savory meatballs.
Stuffed Peppers: If you’re feeling adventurous, hollow out some bell peppers and fill them with a mixture of cooked quinoa, marinara, and cheese, then serve the meatballs on the side for a colorful and fun presentation!

Whichever way you choose to serve these meatballs, you can’t go wrong! They’re sure to impress and satisfy your appetite, making for a delightful meal that everyone will love. Enjoy every bite!

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Over mij

Hoi, mijn naam is Julia. Ik ben het hart van Vihaad Recipes en een gepassioneerde liefhebber van lekker eten. Mijn liefde voor koken begon al in mijn kindertijd, geïnspireerd door de heerlijke maaltijden van mijn grootmoeder. Vandaag de dag deel ik smakelijke recepten die mensen samenbrengen door het gedeelde plezier van eten.