Spinach Garlic Mozzarella Meatballs

Category: Satisfying Main Dishes for Every Occasion

These spinach garlic mozzarella meatballs deliver juicy beef flavor and a surprise cheesy center in every bite. Made with tender ground beef, chopped spinach, garlic, and Italian seasoning, they’re easy to prepare and perfect for weeknight meals. The mozzarella cubes inside melt beautifully as the meatballs cook to a golden crisp. Serve them with marinara and pasta or pile them into sub rolls for a hearty, satisfying dish that’s both comforting and impressive.

A woman wearing a chef's hat and apron.
Created By Sarah
Last updated on Wed, 25 Jun 2025 11:47:09 GMT
A plate of meatballs with sauce. Save
A plate of meatballs with sauce. | sarahmeal.com

This cheesy garlic beef meatball recipe is one of my favorite comfort food dinners when I want something filling savory and a little bit indulgent. The mix of spinach garlic and melted mozzarella makes each bite pop with flavor and the texture stays juicy without being greasy.

I first made this when I was experimenting with stuffed meatballs for a family dinner and now they are my go to for weeknights when I want something hearty but not fussy

Ingredients

  • Ground beef: 80 20 blend gives the right balance of flavor and juiciness
  • Fresh baby spinach: Adds freshness and color Choose vibrant deep green leaves without bruising
  • Garlic: Brings depth and aroma Use fresh cloves for best flavor
  • Breadcrumbs: Helps bind and keep meatballs tender Opt for plain fine textured crumbs
  • Parmesan cheese: Adds sharpness and saltiness Grate fresh for best melt
  • Egg: Helps hold everything together Room temperature helps it blend easily
  • Italian seasoning: Provides classic herb flavor Look for one with oregano and basil high in the blend
  • Sea salt: Enhances all the flavors Use sparingly and taste the mixture
  • Black pepper: Gives a little background heat Freshly ground is always better
  • Mozzarella cheese: Melts into a creamy center Use block mozzarella and dry well before stuffing
  • Extra virgin olive oil: Adds flavor and helps with a golden sear Use a good quality for best results

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Spinach:
Rinse the spinach under cold water then pat completely dry and remove any thick stems Finely chop until even for easier mixing and cooking
Make the Meat Mixture:
In a large bowl combine ground beef chopped spinach garlic breadcrumbs Parmesan egg Italian seasoning salt and pepper Use clean hands or a fork to mix gently just until combined Avoid overmixing to keep the texture light
Cube the Mozzarella:
Cut mozzarella into even half inch cubes Pat dry with paper towels to reduce moisture that might cause the meatballs to fall apart or the cheese to leak
Shape the Meatballs:
Scoop one to two tablespoons of the meat mixture Flatten in your palm then place a mozzarella cube in the center Wrap the mixture around the cheese and seal completely Roll into a ball using both hands until smooth
Sear and Cook:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat Arrange the meatballs in a single layer and cook four to five minutes per side until evenly browned and cooked through The outside should be golden and the inside hot and cheesy
A plate of meatballs with cheese on top. Save
A plate of meatballs with cheese on top. | sarahmeal.com

I love the moment when you bite into one and the warm mozzarella pulls out in strings My kids now request these every time we do spaghetti night

Storage Tips

Let meatballs cool fully before storing Place in an airtight container and refrigerate up to four days or freeze for up to two months Reheat gently in the oven or simmer in sauce to keep them juicy

Ingredient Substitutions

Ground turkey or chicken can replace beef for a leaner version Swap gluten free breadcrumbs to make it suitable for those avoiding gluten You can also use low moisture part skim mozzarella if desired

Serving Suggestions

Serve over pasta with marinara tucked into toasted sub rolls or alongside sautéed greens for a lighter meal They are also great party appetizers with toothpicks and a warm dipping sauce

A bowl of meatballs with cheese on top. Save
A bowl of meatballs with cheese on top. | sarahmeal.com

Cultural Context

Stuffed meatballs like this are a modern take on Italian American comfort food combining nostalgic ingredients with fun textures and bold taste Mozzarella filled meatballs are popular in many home kitchens as a playful twist on classic meatball recipes

Common Recipe Questions

→ How do I prevent the mozzarella from leaking out?

Make sure the mozzarella cubes are completely sealed within the meat mixture and refrigerate the meatballs for 15 minutes before cooking.

→ Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, just be sure to thaw and squeeze out all excess moisture before mixing it into the meatball mixture.

→ What is the best way to cook these meatballs?

Pan-searing in olive oil gives the best golden crust while keeping the inside juicy. You can also bake them at 400°F for 20–25 minutes.

→ Can I prepare the meatballs ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can shape the meatballs and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours or freeze them uncooked for longer storage.

→ What sides go well with these meatballs?

They pair well with marinara pasta, garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or served on a sandwich roll for a meatball sub.

Spinach Garlic Mozzarella Meatballs

Juicy beef meatballs filled with melty mozzarella, garlic, and fresh spinach.

Preparation Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
20 minutes
Total Duration
40 minutes
Created By: Sarah

Recipe Category: Main Dishes

Level of Difficulty: Moderate

Cuisine Style: Italian-American

Servings Yield: 4 Portion Size (12–14 stuffed meatballs)

Diet Preferences: ~

What You'll Need

→ Meatball Mixture

Ingredient 01 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend preferred)
Ingredient 02 2 cups fresh baby spinach, finely chopped
Ingredient 03 4 cloves garlic, minced
Ingredient 04 1/2 cup fine breadcrumbs
Ingredient 05 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Ingredient 06 1 large egg, room temperature
Ingredient 07 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Ingredient 08 Sea salt, to taste
Ingredient 09 Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Filling & Cooking

Ingredient 10 8 oz block mozzarella cheese, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
Ingredient 11 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

How to Make It

Instruction 01

Wash spinach thoroughly, pat dry, remove thick stems, and finely chop.

Instruction 02

Combine ground beef, chopped spinach, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Mix gently until just combined.

Instruction 03

Cut mozzarella into uniform 1/2-inch cubes and pat dry to minimize moisture.

Instruction 04

Scoop 1–2 tablespoons of meat mixture, flatten in your palm, place a mozzarella cube in the center, and wrap the mixture around the cheese. Roll into smooth balls.

Instruction 05

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs in a single layer and cook 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.

Additional Tips

  1. Refrigerate meatballs for 15 minutes before cooking to help maintain shape and prevent cheese leakage.
  2. Test seasoning by frying a small portion before shaping all meatballs.
  3. Avoid overmixing the meat mixture to preserve tenderness.
  4. Serve with marinara sauce, over pasta, or in sandwich rolls.

Essential Tools

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board
  • Large skillet
  • Tablespoon scoop or measuring spoon

Allergy Details

Always review ingredient labels for allergens, and consult a professional if you're unsure.
  • Contains dairy from mozzarella and Parmesan cheese
  • Contains gluten from breadcrumbs
  • Contains egg

Nutritional Breakdown (per serving)

These nutritional details are for informational purposes and shouldn't replace medical advice.
  • Calories: 320
  • Fat Content: 24 grams
  • Carbohydrate Content: 6 grams
  • Protein Content: 20 grams