🧄🧀 Spinach & Garlic Mozzarella-Stuffed Meatballs 🍝🔥
These juicy, flavorful meatballs are packed with melty mozzarella, fresh spinach, and aromatic garlic. Whether you serve them over pasta, polenta, or enjoy them straight from the skillet, they’re sure to be a hit at your dinner table. Perfectly balanced with the savory flavors of beef, pork, and herbs, each meatball is a comforting bite that feels like a warm hug.
🛒 Ingredients (Makes ~18–20 Meatballs)
1 lb ground beef
1 lb ground pork
1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded (preferably fresh mozzarella for extra creaminess)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp dried basil
Salt and pepper, to taste
1-2 cups marinara sauce, for serving (optional, but highly recommended!)
Olive oil, for frying
👨🍳 How to Make Spinach & Garlic Mozzarella-Stuffed Meatballs
🍴 Step 1: Prepare the Filling
In a small bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella cheese, chopped spinach, and minced garlic. Mix well to ensure the filling is evenly distributed.
🍴 Step 2: Make the Meatball Mixture
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef and ground pork. Add the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, egg, dried oregano, dried basil, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Mix everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs dense.
🍴 Step 3: Stuff the Meatballs
Take a small amount of the meat mixture (about 2 tablespoons) and form a meatball.
Create a small indentation in the center of the meatball and stuff it with a teaspoon of the spinach and mozzarella mixture.
Carefully seal the meatball around the filling, ensuring the cheese is fully enclosed.
Repeat until all the meatballs are stuffed and formed.
🍴 Step 4: Cook the Meatballs
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the meatballs in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan.
Cook the meatballs for 4-5 minutes per side until they are browned and cooked through, about 15-20 minutes total, depending on the size of the meatballs.
If you’re concerned about them being fully cooked, you can test the internal temperature with a meat thermometer (it should read 160°F for beef and pork).
🍴 Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
Once the meatballs are cooked, remove them from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
If desired, heat marinara sauce in the same skillet and simmer the meatballs in the sauce for an extra layer of flavor, about 5-10 minutes.
Serve the meatballs with your choice of pasta, polenta, or enjoy them on their own with a side salad.
💡 Tips & Tricks
Cheese Options: You can use part-skim mozzarella for a lighter version, or go for whole milk mozzarella for an extra creamy, indulgent filling.
Make-Ahead: These meatballs are great for meal prep! You can freeze the uncooked meatballs on a baking sheet and then transfer them to a bag for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, just thaw and cook as usual.
Seasoned Breadcrumbs: Use Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs for an added layer of flavor in the meatball mixture.
Sauté First: For an extra caramelized flavor, you can sauté the garlic and spinach before adding them to the cheese filling for more depth in the flavor.
🥄 Serving Suggestions
Pasta: Serve the meatballs over a bed of spaghetti, penne, or any of your favorite pasta shapes, topped with extra marinara sauce and Parmesan cheese.
Polenta: Serve the meatballs over creamy polenta for a comforting and unique twist on the traditional pasta dinner.
Bread: Make a sub sandwich by placing the meatballs and marinara sauce in a toasted hoagie bun, then top with extra mozzarella.
Skillet: For a simple and hearty meal, serve the meatballs straight from the skillet with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad.
🏁 Final Thoughts
These Spinach & Garlic Mozzarella-Stuffed Meatballs are the perfect comfort food. Whether you enjoy them as a meal with pasta or on their own as a snack, the combination of juicy beef and pork, gooey mozzarella, and fragrant spinach makes them a truly irresistible dish. Enjoy this crowd-pleasing recipe at your next dinner or family gathering! 🍝🧀