Description
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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Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
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1 lb ground beef
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1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped
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1 egg
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½ cup breadcrumbs (regular or panko)
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tsp Italian seasoning
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½ tsp onion powder
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½ tsp salt
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½ tsp black pepper
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Filling:
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6 oz mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes
Optional for Serving:
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Marinara sauce
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Fresh basil or parsley, chopped
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Cooked pasta or crusty bread
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.
Notes
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.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Cuisine: American