Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed with Mozzarella

If you’re craving a hearty, cheesy, and flavorful meal, these Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed with Mozzarella are about to become your new favorite! Juicy, garlicky meatballs are packed with spinach and hide a melty mozzarella surprise inside. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or impressing guests at your next gathering.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Cheesy Surprise – Every bite reveals gooey, melted mozzarella at the center.
Nutritious Boost – Spinach adds vitamins and a beautiful green touch to the meatballs.
Big Flavor – Garlic and Italian herbs make these meatballs irresistible.
Family Favorite – A dish everyone, from kids to adults, will love.
Meal-Prep Friendly – Make a batch ahead for quick, satisfying meals throughout the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped
• 1 egg
• ½ cup breadcrumbs (regular or panko)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

For the Filling:

• 6 oz mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes

Optional for Serving:

• Marinara sauce
• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped
• Cooked pasta or crusty bread

Tools You’ll Need

• Large mixing bowl
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Small bowl for ingredients
• Spoon or cookie scoop
• Skillet (optional for pan-searing)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Make the Meatball Mixture
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped spinach, egg, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and Parmesan cheese.
Mix gently with your hands or a spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the meatballs tender.

Step 3: Stuff the Meatballs
Take about 2 tablespoons of meat mixture and flatten it slightly in your hand.
Place one mozzarella cube in the center and carefully wrap the meat around it, rolling it into a ball to seal the cheese inside.
Repeat until all the meat mixture and cheese cubes are used.

Step 4: Bake the Meatballs
Arrange the stuffed meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each.
Bake in the preheated oven for 18–20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the cheese is melted inside.
For extra browning, you can broil them for an additional 2 minutes at the end.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the hot meatballs with a drizzle of marinara sauce, sprinkled with fresh basil or parsley.
Pair them with pasta, tuck them into subs, or enjoy them as a tasty appetizer.

Tips for Perfect Meatballs
Use Fresh Spinach – Finely chop fresh spinach to blend seamlessly into the meatballs.
Don’t Overwork the Meat – Mix until just combined to avoid tough meatballs.
Seal Well – Make sure the meat completely covers the mozzarella to prevent leaking.
Chill Before Baking – If you have time, chilling the assembled meatballs for 10–15 minutes helps them hold their shape.
Use a Cookie Scoop – For uniform meatballs, use a scoop to portion the meat mixture.

Serving Suggestions
Classic Pasta Dinner – Serve over spaghetti with marinara sauce.
Meatball Subs – Stuff into toasted hoagie rolls with extra sauce and cheese.
Appetizer Platter – Serve with toothpicks and a side of dipping sauces for parties.
Meal Prep Bowls – Pair with quinoa or rice and steamed veggies for a healthy meal prep option.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezing:

• Freeze cooked or uncooked meatballs on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.

Reheating:

• Oven: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals until hot.
• Stovetop: Simmer gently in marinara sauce until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
   Yes! Ground turkey or chicken can be used for a lighter version.
2. Can I add other vegetables?
   Definitely. Finely chopped zucchini or carrots blend well into the mixture.
3. How do I keep the cheese from leaking out?
   Make sure to completely seal the meat around the mozzarella and chill the meatballs briefly before baking.
4. Can I make these ahead of time?
   Yes, you can assemble the meatballs and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking.

Final Thoughts
Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed with Mozzarella are everything you want in a meal—flavorful, cheesy, hearty, and a little bit indulgent. Whether you serve them for a family dinner, party appetizer, or meal prep, they’re sure to be a hit.
Try making a double batch because these tasty meatballs disappear fast!

Give them a try and let me know how you like them! Don’t forget to leave a review below and share your photos on Pinterest! I can’t wait to see your delicious creations.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 320 | Protein: 24g | Carbohydrates: 8g | Fat: 22g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 410mg

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