Mozzarella Spinach Garlic Meatballs: Easy and Delicious Recipe

Looking for a recipe that will make your taste buds sing with joy? Look no further than these delectable Spinach Garlic Meatballs Mozzarella! Each juicy beef meatball is a treasure trove of gooey mozzarella, savory spinach, and garlic, creating a flavor explosion in every bite. Whether you’re hosting a casual gathering with friends or craving a cozy weeknight meal, these meatballs are sure to impress with their molten cheese center and golden crust. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be hooked!

I remember the first time I made these Spinach Garlic Meatballs Mozzarella – the cheesy surprise inside got everyone talking! Parmesan cheese adds a depth of flavor that will have you coming back for more. Perfect for potlucks, game nights, or even a simple picnic, these meatballs are a crowd-pleaser. And the best part? You can easily customize them by using different meats or cheeses to suit your preferences. Serve them over spaghetti, in a sandwich, or alongside your favorite veggies for a delicious and satisfying meal that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Table of Contents

Quick Benefits

Flavor Upgrade: The gooey mozzarella, savory spinach, and garlic filling bring a big flavor upgrade to classic meatballs.
Make-ahead Convenience: These meatballs can be prepped ahead, frozen, and reheated easily, making them a convenient option for busy weeknights or entertaining.
Versatile Ingredients: The recipe provides various options for ingredient substitutions, allowing for customization based on taste preferences or dietary needs.
Nutritious Twist: Sneak in extra nutrition with spinach and garlic, enhancing both the flavor and health benefits of the dish.

Why You’ll Love This Mozzarella Spinach Garlic Meatballs: Easy and Delicious Recipe Recipe

Flavor Explosion: The combination of juicy beef, gooey mozzarella, savory spinach, and garlic creates an explosion of flavors in every bite.
Irresistible Comfort Food: These meatballs are the ultimate comfort food, perfect for casual gatherings or cozy weeknight meals.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a potluck, game night, or a birthday picnic, these meatballs are always a hit and disappear fast.
Make-Ahead Convenience: You can refrigerate leftovers, freeze cooked meatballs, or prep them in advance for easy weeknight dinners or quick meals.
Versatile and Customizable: You can easily customize this recipe by using different meats like turkey or chicken, swapping cheeses, or adding your favorite herbs and spices.
Family-Friendly and Sneaky Veggies: Even picky eaters won’t resist these meatballs, especially with the hidden spinach inside. It’s a great way to sneak in some extra veggies.
Italian American Flair: Inspired by classic polpette and stuffed crust pizza, these meatballs bring Italian American flavors to your table with a twist.
Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you serve them over spaghetti, in a sandwich, or with a salad, these meatballs will bring everyone together and leave them wanting more.
Freezer-Friendly: The option to freeze the meatballs raw or cooked makes it easy to have a delicious meal ready at a moment’s notice.
Impressive Presentation: The melty cheese center and golden crust make these meatballs not only delicious but visually appealing as well.

Ingredients for Mozzarella Spinach Garlic Meatballs: Easy and Delicious Recipe

Main Ingredients

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
2 cups fresh spinach, sautéed and chopped, or 1/2 cup well-drained frozen spinach
1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend)
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon salt
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 large egg
3 tablespoons olive oil, plus more as needed for searing
8 ounces low-moisture mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes

How to Make Mozzarella Spinach Garlic Meatballs: Easy and Delicious Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Garlic and Spinach

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Add fresh spinach and cook until wilted. Remove from heat, cool slightly, and finely chop.

Step 2: Prepare Meatball Mixture

Combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, salt, black pepper, egg, and cooled spinach mixture in a large mixing bowl. Gently mix until evenly combined.

Step 3: Form and Stuff Meatballs

Take a portion of the mixture, flatten it in your palm, add a cube of mozzarella in the center, and shape the mixture into a sealed ball. Repeat for the rest of the mixture and mozzarella.

Step 4: Sear Meatballs

In a clean skillet, heat the remaining olive oil over medium heat. Place meatballs in a single layer and sear for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until golden brown on all sides.

Step 5: Finish Cooking

To ensure even cooking, cover the skillet and cook over low-medium heat for 10 to 12 minutes. Alternatively, bake in a preheated 375°F oven for 10 to 12 minutes until meatballs are cooked through and cheese is melted.

Storage Tips

Once you have made the delicious Spinach Garlic Meatballs Mozzarella, it is important to store any leftovers properly. Refrigerate the meatballs in an airtight container for up to three days. When reheating, place them on a tray in a low oven until warmed through to maintain the crispy crust. Alternatively, you can use the microwave in short bursts, but the oven will help preserve the texture better. For longer storage, freeze the cooked meatballs on a sheet until solid and then transfer them to zip bags. They can be kept frozen for up to two months and should be thawed overnight in the refrigerator for the best results.

If you want to prepare the meatballs ahead of time, shape them as directed and freeze them raw on a tray until solid. Transfer the frozen meatballs to a large freezer bag, label it, and store them in the freezer. When ready to cook, bake the meatballs straight from the freezer at 180 degrees Celsius for around twenty-five minutes or until cooked through. This convenient method allows for easy meal prep and ensures you always have a quick and delicious meal option on hand.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you prefer a leaner option, you can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or pork. These alternatives will provide a lighter texture while maintaining juiciness.

For a gluten-free version, you can replace the breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or cooked quinoa. This swap will ensure a wheat-free option without compromising the texture of the meatballs.

If you are out of mozzarella cheese, you can substitute it with another mild melting cheese like fontina or provolone. This substitution will still give you the gooey, melty center that adds a burst of flavor to the meatballs.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these Spinach Garlic Meatballs Mozzarella as a hearty appetizer at your next gathering, allowing guests to savor the gooey cheese center and flavorful meatball exterior. Pair them with a zesty marinara sauce for dipping or drizzling, creating a dynamic flavor combination that will leave your guests coming back for more. Alternatively, transform these meatballs into a comforting meal by serving them over a bed of al dente spaghetti, allowing the melted mozzarella to create a creamy sauce that coats each strand of pasta for a satisfying and indulgent dish.

For a fun twist, consider making meatball sliders with these Spinach Garlic Meatballs Mozzarella. Place a meatball on a toasted slider bun, add a dollop of marinara sauce, and top with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a mini sandwich bursting with Italian flavors. These sliders are perfect for game day gatherings or casual weeknight dinners, offering a bite-sized and delicious way to enjoy this flavorful dish.

FAQs for Mozzarella Spinach Garlic Meatballs: Easy and Delicious Recipe

Can I use a different type of ground meat in this recipe?

Absolutely! You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or pork for a lighter alternative while still maintaining a moist texture in the meatballs.

How do I ensure the meatballs are sealed properly around the mozzarella?

Make sure to pinch the meat mixture closed tightly around the mozzarella cube and roll gently in your hands to ensure complete coverage and a sealed meatball.

Can I prepare the meatballs in advance?

Yes, you can shape and fill the meatballs ahead of time. Store them covered in the refrigerator for up to one day before cooking to save time when you’re ready to bake them.

Why is it important to sauté the spinach or drain frozen spinach well?

Sautéing fresh spinach or draining frozen spinach helps remove excess moisture and enhances the flavor of the spinach before incorporating it into the meatball mixture.

Conclusion

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, these Spinach Garlic Meatballs Mozzarella are sure to be a hit with your family and friends. The combination of juicy beef, gooey mozzarella, and flavorful spinach and garlic is simply irresistible. Don’t be surprised if they disappear before you know it!

Experiment with different variations to suit your taste preferences – try using ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option, or mix in some Italian sausage for a spicier kick. The beauty of this recipe is its versatility, so feel free to get creative with your ingredients.

From potlucks to weeknight dinners, these Spinach Garlic Meatballs Mozzarella are a delicious and satisfying choice for any occasion. So go ahead, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy the process of creating these mouthwatering meatballs that are sure to become a new favorite in your recipe repertoire.

Mozzarella Spinach Garlic Meatballs: Easy and Delicious Recipe

Juicy mozzarella-stuffed meatballs bursting with spinach and garlic – a cozy and irresistible comfort food perfect for gatherings and weeknight dinners.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time20 min

Cook Time25 min

Total Time45 min

CuisineItalian-American

Skill LevelEasy

Servings4 Servings (12 to 14 meatballs)

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
2 cups fresh spinach, sautéed and chopped, or 1/2 cup well-drained frozen spinach
1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend)
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon salt
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 large egg
3 tablespoons olive oil, plus more as needed for searing
8 ounces low-moisture mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes

Instructions

Sauté Garlic and Spinach: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Add fresh spinach and cook until wilted. Remove from heat, cool slightly, and finely chop.
Prepare Meatball Mixture: Combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, salt, black pepper, egg, and cooled spinach mixture in a large mixing bowl. Gently mix until evenly combined.
Form and Stuff Meatballs: Take a portion of the mixture, flatten it in your palm, add a cube of mozzarella in the center, and shape the mixture into a sealed ball. Repeat for the rest of the mixture and mozzarella.
Sear Meatballs: In a clean skillet, heat the remaining olive oil over medium heat. Place meatballs in a single layer and sear for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until golden brown on all sides.
Finish Cooking: To ensure even cooking, cover the skillet and cook over low-medium heat for 10 to 12 minutes. Alternatively, bake in a preheated 375°F oven for 10 to 12 minutes until meatballs are cooked through and cheese is melted.