Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed with Mozzarella

There’s something magical about comfort food that brings people together. Imagine it’s a chilly evening, the scent of garlic wafts through the kitchen, and the sound of sizzling meatballs fills the air. You’re gathered around the table with friends or family, sharing laughter over hearty, cheesy bites. That’s the perfect moment for Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed with Mozzarella—a dish that delivers tender, juicy meatballs with a hidden surprise of melty mozzarella in every bite.

This recipe was born out of a love for combining bold Italian flavors with a creative twist. Inspired by traditional meatballs and infused with spinach for a nutritious boost, these mozzarella-stuffed wonders are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether it’s game night, a weeknight family dinner, or even meal prep for the week ahead, this dish checks all the boxes: easy, delicious, and unforgettable.

Why You’ll Love These Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed with Mozzarella

These aren’t your average meatballs. Here’s why this recipe is going to become a staple in your kitchen:

• Melty Cheese Center: Each bite holds a surprise—warm, gooey mozzarella oozing out for the ultimate cheese pull.
• Nutritious Twist: Packed with spinach and garlic, these meatballs sneak in greens without sacrificing flavor.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve them with marinara, over pasta, tucked into a sandwich, or enjoyed on their own.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: These meatballs freeze beautifully, making them perfect for prepping ahead.

Ingredients You’ll Need 🧄🧀🌿

You likely already have most of these ingredients in your kitchen! Here’s what you’ll need to make about 4 servings of this delicious recipe:

• 1 lb ground beef or turkey 🍖 – Your choice of protein makes the base rich and satisfying.
• 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped 🌿 – Adds moisture, nutrients, and a pop of color.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 🧄 – For that warm, aromatic flavor that defines Italian cooking.
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs 🍞 – Helps bind everything together for a tender bite.
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese 🧀 – Adds a salty, nutty depth to the mix.
• 1 egg 🥚 – Keeps the meatballs cohesive and moist.
• 1 tsp dried oregano 🌿 – For a hint of herbal, earthy spice.
• 1 tsp dried basil 🌿 – Brings in classic Italian flavor.
• 1/2 tsp salt 🧂 – Enhances every other flavor in the recipe.
• 1/4 tsp black pepper 🧑‍🍳 – Adds just a touch of heat.
• 4 oz mozzarella cheese, cut into cubes 🧀 – The star of the show. Use fresh mozzarella for best results.
• Olive oil for cooking 🫒 – A good-quality oil gives a golden, crispy crust.
• Marinara sauce for serving 🍅 – Bright, tangy, and perfect for dipping or drizzling.

Step-by-Step Instructions 👩‍🍳

Let’s walk through how to make these cheesy, garlicky meatballs from scratch. The process is simple, but the results are gourmet-level delicious.

1️⃣ Prepare the Meatball Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef or turkey, chopped spinach, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.

Mix until just combined. You want the ingredients evenly distributed, but be careful not to overmix, or the meatballs could turn out tough.

Pro Tip: For the juiciest texture, use your hands to mix the meat—it’s gentler than a spoon or spatula.

2️⃣ Stuff the Meatballs

Take about 2 tablespoons of the meat mixture and flatten it in your palm. Place a cube of mozzarella cheese in the center, then mold the meat around it, sealing completely so the cheese doesn’t leak while cooking.

Repeat until all the meat and cheese cubes are used up. You should end up with about 12–16 medium-sized meatballs.

Pro Tip: Chill the cheese cubes for 10–15 minutes beforehand to make stuffing easier.

3️⃣ Cook the Meatballs

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