Spinach Garlic Mozzarella Meatballs

Category: Dinner Ideas That Actually Work

Mix ground beef with spinach, garlic, and seasonings, wrap around mozzarella cubes, then pan-fry for 10 minutes until golden and cooked through.
Clare Recipes
Created By Lily Chen
Updated on Tue, 03 Jun 2025 13:52:49 GMT
A plate of food with cheese and spinach. Save
A plate of food with cheese and spinach. | lilicooks.com

Spinach garlic mozzarella meatballs transform ordinary comfort food into an extraordinary culinary experience by combining tender, herb-infused beef with vibrant spinach and aromatic garlic, all wrapped around a molten mozzarella center that creates delicious surprise in every bite. These elevated meatballs deliver restaurant-quality flavors through simple home cooking techniques, featuring golden-brown exteriors that give way to juicy, cheese-filled interiors bursting with Italian-inspired seasonings. Perfect for family dinners, entertaining, or anytime you want to create something special that appeals to all ages while sneaking nutritious greens into beloved comfort food.

I developed this recipe when searching for creative ways to incorporate more vegetables into family meals without resistance from picky eaters. The genius lies in how the melted mozzarella creates such excitement that the spinach becomes a welcome addition rather than something to avoid. Now these meatballs have become our family's most requested dinner, with everyone eager to help stuff the cheese centers during preparation.

Premium Ingredient Selection

  • Ground beef (1 pound): Choose 80/20 blend for optimal flavor and moisture; beef-pork combination creates even richer taste
  • Fresh baby spinach (2 cups, finely chopped): Select vibrant, tender leaves; avoid wilted or yellowing spinach for best flavor
  • Fresh garlic (4 cloves, minced): Essential for aromatic depth; fresh garlic provides superior flavor to pre-minced alternatives
  • Fine breadcrumbs (1/2 cup): Keep meatballs tender while binding ingredients; panko or fresh breadcrumbs both work excellently
  • Freshly grated Parmesan (1/2 cup): Adds salty umami depth; grate from block for superior flavor and melting properties
  • Large fresh egg (1 whole): Acts as perfect binder for easy shaping; room temperature egg incorporates more easily
  • Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): Blend of oregano, basil, and marjoram ties herbs together beautifully
  • Mozzarella block (8 ounces): Cut into 1/2-inch cubes for stuffing; block mozzarella melts better than pre-shredded
  • Extra virgin olive oil (2 tablespoons): For browning; choose mild variety that won't overpower delicate flavors
  • Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for proper seasoning throughout all components

Perfect Preparation Method

Optimal Spinach Prep
Wash fresh spinach thoroughly and pat completely dry before chopping finely to prevent excess moisture that could make meatballs soggy. Remove any thick stems for better texture and more even distribution throughout the mixture.
Expert Mixing Technique
Combine ground beef, chopped spinach, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in large bowl, mixing gently with hands until just combined. Overmixing develops gluten and creates tough meatballs.
Strategic Cheese Preparation
Cut mozzarella block into uniform 1/2-inch cubes, ensuring consistent size for even melting and proper stuffing in each meatball. Pat cheese cubes dry to prevent slipping during assembly process.
Professional Stuffing Method
Scoop 1-2 tablespoons meat mixture and flatten in palm, place mozzarella cube in center, then carefully wrap meat around cheese, sealing edges completely. Roll gently between palms to create smooth, round shape without gaps.
Optimal Cooking Process
Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium heat until shimmering, then add meatballs in single layer without overcrowding. Cook 4-5 minutes per side, turning carefully to develop golden-brown crust on all surfaces while ensuring cheese stays contained.
Three meatballs with sauce on a plate. Save
Three meatballs with sauce on a plate. | lilicooks.com

Creative Variations

Transform these versatile meatballs by incorporating different cheeses and flavor profiles that complement the spinach and garlic foundation. Try fresh mozzarella for ultra-creamy centers, or substitute provolone for sharper flavor that pairs beautifully with Italian herbs.

Serving Excellence

Present these impressive meatballs with classic accompaniments that showcase their special character. Serve over al dente spaghetti with marinara sauce for traditional Italian presentation that highlights the molten cheese centers.

Make-Ahead Magic

These meatballs excel at advance preparation, making them perfect for meal planning and entertaining. Form completely and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking, which actually improves flavor as seasonings meld throughout the meat.

Family Involvement

These interactive meatballs provide perfect opportunities for kitchen participation across all age groups. Children love helping stuff the cheese centers, creating excitement about dinner preparation while learning basic cooking skills.

Nutritional Benefits

These nutrient-dense meatballs provide substantial protein from beef and cheese while incorporating iron-rich spinach that adds vitamins and minerals often missing from traditional comfort foods.

A plate of meatballs with cheese and spinach. Save
A plate of meatballs with cheese and spinach. | lilicooks.com

These spinach garlic mozzarella meatballs represent the perfect fusion of nutrition and indulgence, proving that healthy ingredients can enhance rather than compromise beloved comfort foods. The hidden cheese centers create excitement that transforms ordinary dinner into special occasion, while the spinach integration demonstrates how vegetables can be incorporated seamlessly into familiar favorites. Every time I serve these, I'm reminded that the best family recipes are often those that combine wholesome ingredients with irresistible appeal, creating meals that nourish both body and spirit while bringing everyone together around the table for shared experiences filled with delicious surprises.

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out?
Make sure to completely seal the meat mixture around the mozzarella cube, pinching any seams closed. Don't make the meatballs too big, and cook over medium heat to avoid bursting.
→ Can I bake these instead of pan-frying?
Yes! Bake at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. They won't be quite as crispy but still delicious.
→ What's the best way to chop the spinach finely?
Fresh spinach works best - just stack the leaves, roll them up, and slice thinly. You can also pulse it briefly in a food processor if you prefer.
→ Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! Form the meatballs and refrigerate for up to 4 hours, or freeze them on a tray then store in bags for up to 3 months. Cook from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
→ What should I serve these with?
They're amazing over pasta with marinara sauce, in a sub sandwich, or just on their own with sauce for dipping. Garlic bread on the side is always a hit too!
→ Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
You can, but make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out all the excess water first. Fresh spinach gives better texture and flavor though.

Spinach Garlic Mozzarella Meatballs

Tender, flavorful meatballs filled with spinach and garlic, with a surprise melty mozzarella center in every bite.

Preparation Time
20 min
Cooking Time
15 min
Overall Time
35 min
Created By: Lily Chen

Category: Main Dishes

Skill Level: Moderate

Cuisine Type: Italian-American

Output: 4 Serves (16-18 meatballs)

Dietary Options: Low-Carb

Ingredients

→ Meatball mixture

01 450g ground beef or a mix of beef and pork
02 1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped
03 3 cloves garlic, minced
04 60ml breadcrumbs
05 25g Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
06 1 large egg
07 ½ teaspoon fine salt
08 ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
09 ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning blend

→ For the cheesy centers and cooking

10 1 cup mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes
11 2 tablespoons olive oil

Steps

Step 01

In a large bowl, gently combine your ground beef, finely chopped spinach, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix just until everything comes together - don't overwork it or your meatballs will be tough.

Step 02

Take about 1-2 tablespoons of the meat mixture and flatten it in your palm. Place a cube of mozzarella right in the center, then carefully wrap the meat around it, making sure to seal it completely so no cheese escapes. Roll it into a nice round ball and repeat with the rest of your mixture.

Step 03

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your meatballs in batches - don't overcrowd the pan or they won't brown properly. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, turning them gently, until they're beautifully browned all over and cooked through completely.

Step 04

Serve your meatballs hot with marinara sauce for dipping, or toss them with your favorite pasta. For an extra special touch, garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves. Get ready for that amazing cheese pull when you bite into them!

Tips

  1. The key to tender meatballs is gentle mixing - just combine the ingredients until they hold together, no more.
  2. Make sure to seal each meatball completely around the mozzarella cube to prevent delicious cheese leakage during cooking.
  3. These meatballs are perfect over pasta, in a sub sandwich, or just enjoyed on their own with marinara for dipping.
  4. You can prep these ahead of time and refrigerate for a few hours before cooking, or even freeze them for future meals.
  5. For extra flavor, try using a mix of ground beef and pork - the pork adds richness and keeps everything extra juicy.

Required Tools

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Large skillet
  • Sharp knife for cutting cheese
  • Cutting board

Allergy Information

Always check each ingredient for allergens, and consult a medical professional if unsure.
  • Contains gluten (breadcrumbs)
  • Contains dairy (Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese)
  • Contains eggs

Nutritional Information (per serving)

These details are shared for general guidance and don’t replace professional advice.
  • Calories: 385
  • Fats: 26 g
  • Carbohydrates: 6 g
  • Proteins: 32 g