There’s something truly magical about a dish that brings comfort, flavor, and a little bit of surprise all in one bite—and these Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed with Mozzarella do exactly that. First off, thank you for stopping by! I love sharing recipes that feel like a warm hug from the kitchen, and this one has quickly become a favorite in our home. If you’re here for something cozy, cheesy, and packed with hidden veggies, you’re in for a treat.
These meatballs are juicy and garlicky, hiding a gooey mozzarella core that oozes out with every bite. Spinach sneaks in for a bit of green goodness, and the garlic? Oh, the garlic brings everything to life. Want this recipe straight to your inbox? Go ahead and subscribe below—we send out our reader-favorite recipes weekly, and you won’t want to miss what’s coming next!
What Are Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed with Mozzarella?
Spinach garlic meatballs are a hearty blend of ground meat (we’re using beef and turkey today for the best of both worlds), chopped spinach, garlic, and Italian herbs—all wrapped around a cube of mozzarella cheese. Baked or pan-fried until golden and bubbly inside, these meatballs are anything but boring!! Think Italian comfort food, upgraded with a creamy, melty center.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with These Meatballs
Melty mozzarella center – It’s like a hidden treasure in every bite.
A veggie boost – Thanks to spinach, these are wholesome without sacrificing taste.
Versatile – Serve them with pasta, zoodles, or just on their own as a snack or appetizer.
Meal prep dream – They freeze beautifully, so you can enjoy them anytime.
Kid-friendly – That cheese center makes even the pickiest eaters excited.
What Do These Meatballs Taste Like?
Rich, savory, and tender—each bite bursts with flavor from the garlic and Italian herbs. The spinach adds subtle freshness, while the mozzarella delivers a creamy finish that’s utterly satisfying. The smell when this is in the oven is incredible!!
Benefits of This Recipe
Packed with protein
Sneaks in veggies without overpowering
Gluten-free option available
Makes great leftovers
Impresses at dinner parties or potlucks
Ingredients
To make these cheesy spinach garlic meatballs, you’ll need:
½ lb ground beef
½ lb ground turkey (or use 1 lb of either)
1 cup cooked spinach, squeezed dry and chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup breadcrumbs (or almond flour for GF version)
1 large egg
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp Italian seasoning
12–15 cubes of mozzarella (about ¾ inch size)
Olive oil for drizzling or pan frying
Tools You’ll Need
Mixing bowls
Baking sheet or large skillet
Parchment paper (if baking)
Cheese knife or small scooper for stuffing
Tongs or spatula
Additions and Substitutions
Cheese options: Swap mozzarella for fontina or provolone for a different melt.
Meat: Ground chicken or pork works well too.
Spinach: Kale or chard can be used, just cook and chop finely.
Low-carb option: Use almond flour or crushed pork rinds instead of breadcrumbs.
How to Make Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed with Mozzarella
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), or prepare a skillet over medium heat.
Prep the spinach by cooking, squeezing out water, and chopping.
In a large bowl, combine beef, turkey, spinach, garlic, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, egg, and seasonings. Mix until just combined—don’t overwork!
Take about 2 tablespoons of the mixture, flatten into your palm, place a cube of mozzarella in the center, and wrap the meat around the cheese, sealing it well.
Place on a lined baking sheet or set aside if pan-frying.
Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until cooked through and golden brown. If pan-frying, cook in batches with olive oil, turning to brown all sides and finish with a few minutes covered to ensure the cheese melts fully.
Let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving (the cheese is HOT!).
What to Serve with Spinach Garlic Meatballs
Over spaghetti or linguine with marinara sauce
Tucked into a warm hoagie roll for an epic meatball sub
On a bed of garlicky mashed potatoes
With sautéed zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash
As a protein-packed appetizer with toothpicks and dipping sauce
Tips for Perfect Meatballs
Chop spinach finely so it blends in evenly.
Seal well around the cheese or it might leak out.
Don’t overmix the meat—it keeps them tender.
Use a cookie scoop to keep sizes consistent.
Want crispy edges? Broil for 2–3 minutes at the end of baking.
Storage Instructions
These store like a dream!
Fridge: Keep in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze raw or cooked meatballs in a single layer, then transfer to a bag. Good for 2–3 months.
Reheat: Microwave, bake, or gently pan-fry until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes! Just thaw completely and squeeze out as much water as possible before using.
Do I have to use mozzarella?
Not at all. Any soft melting cheese works—try provolone, gouda, or even cream cheese for a twist.
Can I make these meatballs dairy-free?
Yes! Omit the mozzarella and Parmesan or use dairy-free alternatives. They’ll still be delicious.
Is there a way to make this keto?
Yes! Use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs, and double-check your cheese for hidden carbs.
Conclusion
These Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed with Mozzarella are pure joy—comforting, cheesy, and bursting with flavor. I promised you versatile, and here’s proof! Whether you’re cooking for family dinner, prepping meals ahead, or just craving something warm and satisfying, these are the kind of meatballs that bring people back to the table.
If you loved this, be sure to check out more of my favorite cozy recipes—especially the ones that sneak in a little veggie goodness without sacrificing flavor.
More Recipes Featuring Spinach or Cheese
Creamy Spinach Artichoke Pasta Bake
Cheesy Zucchini and Spinach Fritters
Baked Chicken Stuffed with Ricotta and Spinach
Share Your Spinach Garlic Meatballs!
Did you make this recipe? I’d love to see! Share your photos on Pinterest and tag me—your creations always inspire others in the kitchen. And if you enjoyed this, leave a review below so more people can find and fall in love with this delicious dish.
Nutritional Information (Approximate, per meatball)
Calories: 110
Protein: 9g
Fat: 7g
Carbs: 2g
Fiber: 0.5g
Sugar: 0g
Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed with Mozzarella
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12–15 meatballs 1x
Description
Juicy meatballs packed with garlic, spinach, and herbs, each hiding a melty mozzarella surprise—comfort food that’s cozy, cheesy, and irresistibly satisfying.
Ingredients
- ½ lb ground beef
- ½ lb ground turkey (or use 1 lb of either)
- 1 cup cooked spinach, squeezed dry and chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (or almond flour for GF version)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 12–15 cubes of mozzarella (about ¾ inch size)
- Olive oil for drizzling or pan frying
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C), or heat a skillet over medium heat.
- Prep spinach by cooking, squeezing out water, and chopping.
- In a large bowl, combine beef, turkey, spinach, garlic, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, egg, salt, pepper, and seasoning. Mix until just combined.
- Take about 2 tablespoons of the mixture, flatten in your palm, place a mozzarella cube in the center, and wrap meat around it, sealing well.
- Place on a lined baking sheet or set aside if pan-frying.
- Bake for 18–20 minutes until cooked through and golden, or pan-fry in batches with olive oil, turning to brown all sides and covering for a few minutes to melt cheese fully.
- Let rest a couple minutes before serving.
Notes
Use a cookie scoop for even sizing. Seal meatballs tightly to prevent cheese leakage. Broil 2–3 minutes at the end for crispy edges.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baked or Pan-Fried
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 meatball
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: meatballs, mozzarella, spinach, garlic, cheese-stuffed, comfort food