Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed with Mozzarella

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🧄🧀 Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed with Mozzarella

Juicy, tender meatballs packed with garlic and spinach, then stuffed with melty mozzarella for the ultimate cheesy surprise in every bite. These Spinach Garlic Mozzarella-Stuffed Meatballs are perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, parties, or serving over pasta with your favorite sauce.

They’re comforting, flavorful, and incredibly versatile — once you make them, they’ll quickly become a family favorite.

🌟 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Cheese-stuffed center that melts beautifully

  • Hidden veggies from spinach (kid-friendly!)

  • Works for baking, pan-frying, or air frying

  • Perfect with pasta, rice, subs, or appetizers

  • Freezer-friendly and great for meal prep

🛒 Ingredients

Meatballs:

  • 1 lb ground beef (or half beef, half pork for extra juiciness)

  • 1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian-style)

  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • 1 large egg

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning

  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (if pan-frying)

Filling:

  • 6–8 oz mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes

Optional for Serving:

  • Marinara or tomato sauce

  • Fresh basil or parsley

  • Extra Parmesan cheese

🍽️ Instructions

1️⃣ Prepare the Spinach

If using fresh spinach, finely chop it.
Optional step for extra tenderness: quickly sauté spinach in a dry pan for 1–2 minutes, then let cool and squeeze out excess moisture.

2️⃣ Mix the Meatball Base

In a large bowl, combine:

  • Ground meat

  • Chopped spinach

  • Garlic

  • Breadcrumbs

  • Parmesan cheese

  • Egg

  • Salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes

Mix gently with your hands until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.

3️⃣ Stuff with Mozzarella

  • Scoop about 2 tablespoons of meat mixture and flatten it in your palm.

  • Place a cube of mozzarella in the center.

  • Wrap the meat around the cheese and roll into a smooth ball, sealing well.

Repeat with remaining mixture.

4️⃣ Cook the Meatballs

🔥 Oven Method (Recommended)

  • Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

  • Place meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

  • Bake for 18–22 minutes, until cooked through and lightly browned.

🍳 Pan-Fry Method

  • Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.

  • Cook meatballs, turning often, for 10–12 minutes until golden and fully cooked.

🌬️ Air Fryer Method

  • Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway through.

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