Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed with Mozzarella

These Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed with Mozzarella are juicy, flavorful, and irresistibly cheesy. Blending spinach and garlic into the meat mixture creates a rich, savory profile, while the gooey mozzarella center adds a delightful surprise in every bite. Whether I serve them with pasta, rice, or a light salad, they always become the highlight of the meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how these meatballs balance flavor and texture so perfectly. The combination of spinach and garlic brings a wholesome, earthy tone, while the melted mozzarella turns each bite into a cheesy delight. They're also versatile—I can make them for dinner, meal prep for the week, or serve them as a fun party appetizer. Plus, they’re baked rather than fried, making cleanup and preparation a breeze.

ingredients

(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Ground beef

• Fresh spinach, chopped

• Garlic, minced

• Onion, finely chopped

• Egg

• Breadcrumbs

• Italian seasoning

• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

• Salt and pepper

• Mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes

• Olive oil

• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

directions

1. I start by preheating the oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a large bowl, I combine ground beef, chopped spinach, garlic, onion, egg, breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. I mix everything together until just combined—making sure not to overwork the meat.

3. I scoop a portion of the meat mixture, flatten it slightly in my hand, and place a cube of mozzarella in the center. Then I wrap the meat around the cheese and roll it into a ball.

4. I repeat the process with the remaining mixture and arrange the meatballs on the baking sheet.

5. I lightly brush the meatballs with olive oil and bake them for about 20–25 minutes, or until browned and cooked through.

6. I garnish the finished meatballs with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 16 meatballs, which serves 4 to 5 people. Preparation takes around 15 minutes, and the baking time is approximately 20–25 minutes. From start to finish, I have this delicious dish ready in under 45 minutes.

Variations

• I sometimes swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.

• For a low-carb twist, I use almond flour or crushed pork rinds instead of breadcrumbs.

• Adding sun-dried tomatoes or chopped olives into the meat mixture brings an extra punch of flavor.

• If I want a spicy kick, I increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add chopped jalapeños.

storage/reheating

I store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, I place them in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10–15 minutes. They can also be microwaved for a quick meal—just about 1–2 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

How do I keep the mozzarella from leaking out?

I make sure to completely seal the meat around the cheese. Chilling the meatballs for 10–15 minutes before baking also helps prevent leaks.

Can I freeze these meatballs?

Yes, I freeze them either cooked or uncooked. For uncooked, I freeze them on a tray first, then transfer to a bag. For cooked, I cool them completely before freezing. They keep well for up to 3 months.

What can I serve with these meatballs?

I like serving them with pasta, zucchini noodles, mashed potatoes, or a simple side salad. They also make great meatball subs.

Can I use frozen spinach?

Yes, I thaw and drain frozen spinach thoroughly before adding it to the mixture. I squeeze out as much water as possible to avoid soggy meatballs.

How do I know when the meatballs are done?

I check that they’re browned on the outside and reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) using a meat thermometer.

Conclusion

These Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed with Mozzarella are a hearty and satisfying dish that I keep coming back to. Whether for a family dinner or a meal prep favorite, the melty mozzarella center and herby, garlicky meat make every bite special. Once I tried them, they instantly earned a place in my recipe rotation.