Spinach Garlic Mozzarella Meatballs – Cheesy and Juicy

What if you could bite into a tender, juicy meatball and find a gooey, cheesy center waiting for you?
That’s exactly what these Spinach Garlic Mozzarella Meatballs deliver—flavor-packed meatballs with a surprise mozzarella core, perfect for pasta nights, party appetizers, or a comforting meal any day of the week.

They’re easy to make, packed with flavor, and sure to be a family favorite.

Why These Spinach Garlic Mozzarella Meatballs Are a Must-Try

These meatballs combine savory beef, fresh spinach, and aromatic garlic, wrapped around a molten center of melty mozzarella.
They’re pan-seared to perfection, resulting in a golden-brown exterior and a juicy, tender interior.

Prep time is about 20 minutes.
Cook time is 15 to 20 minutes.
In under an hour, you can have a batch of cheesy, hearty meatballs ready to enjoy.

Perfect for pasta, subs, or served simply with a side of marinara for dipping.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Meatball Mixture

• 450 grams ground beef or a mix of beef and pork
• 1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 60 milliliters breadcrumbs
• 25 grams Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 teaspoon fine salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend

For the Cheesy Centers and Cooking

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

Ingredient Tips

• A blend of beef and pork gives the meatballs extra flavor and juiciness.
• Fresh spinach adds color, nutrients, and moisture to the meatballs without overpowering the flavor.
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts better and gives a richer, nuttier flavor.
• Use low-moisture mozzarella cubes for the best gooey center that holds up during cooking.

You can customize the seasoning with a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a hint of heat or swap in ground turkey for a lighter version.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Mix the Meatball Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the ground beef, finely chopped spinach, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.

Mix just until everything comes together.
Avoid overworking the mixture, as this can make the meatballs tough.

2. Form the Meatballs
Take about 1 to 2 tablespoons of the meat mixture and flatten it in your palm.

Place a cube of mozzarella cheese in the center.
Carefully wrap the meat mixture around the cheese, sealing it completely so no cheese escapes during cooking.

Roll into a round ball and set aside.
Repeat with the remaining meat mixture and cheese cubes.

3. Heat the Skillet
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Make sure the oil is hot before adding the meatballs to get a nice sear.

4. Cook the Meatballs
Add the meatballs in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.

Cook for about 4 to 5 minutes per side, turning gently to brown all over.
The meatballs are done when they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) and are browned evenly.

If needed, transfer the cooked meatballs to a plate and cover loosely with foil while you cook the remaining batches.

5. Serve
Serve the meatballs hot.

They’re delicious with marinara sauce for dipping, tossed with your favorite pasta, or piled into a hoagie roll for an indulgent meatball sub.

Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves for a beautiful and flavorful finish.

How to Serve Them Perfectly

Spinach Garlic Mozzarella Meatballs are versatile and can star in many meals.

Serving Suggestions

• Toss with spaghetti and marinara sauce for a classic Italian dinner
• Serve over creamy polenta for a cozy comfort meal
• Tuck into toasted rolls with marinara and extra mozzarella for meatball subs
• Offer as an appetizer with toothpicks and dipping sauce at parties
• Serve alongside roasted vegetables or a crisp salad for a lighter meal

They pair well with red wines like Chianti or a simple iced tea for a casual meal.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

To store leftovers
Allow the meatballs to cool completely.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat
Reheat gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through.
Or microwave on medium power to avoid drying out the meatballs.

To freeze
Arrange the uncooked or cooked meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 2 months.

Reheat from frozen in a 350°F (175°C) oven until hot throughout.

Make-ahead tip
Prepare the meatballs a day ahead and store in the refrigerator.
Cook just before serving for the freshest taste.

Recipe Variations

1. Turkey Spinach Meatballs
Swap ground beef for ground turkey for a leaner version.

2. Spicy Mozzarella Meatballs
Add 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes to the meat mixture for a kick of heat.

3. Pesto-Stuffed Meatballs
Mix a spoonful of pesto into the mozzarella cube before wrapping with meat for an herby, cheesy surprise.

These variations allow you to customize the meatballs to your preferences or dietary needs.

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Conclusion: The Ultimate Comfort Food with a Twist

Spinach Garlic Mozzarella Meatballs offer the perfect balance of savory meat, fresh spinach, and gooey, melty cheese.
They are satisfying, flavorful, and sure to impress whether you’re serving them as a family dinner or at a party.

Easy to make, endlessly customizable, and packed with flavor, they’re a must-try for any home cook.

Try them once, and they’ll earn a permanent spot on your menu.

Have you tried them? Share your favorite twists and serving ideas in the comments below.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bake these meatballs instead of frying?
Yes. Bake at 400°F (200°C) on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 18 to 20 minutes or until cooked through.

What’s the best type of mozzarella to use?
Low-moisture mozzarella cubes melt perfectly without releasing too much liquid.

Can I add other vegetables?
Yes. Finely grated carrots or zucchini can be added without affecting the texture much.

How do I keep the cheese from leaking out?
Make sure to seal the meat completely around the cheese and cook at moderate heat.

What dipping sauces pair well with these meatballs?
Marinara, ranch, garlic aioli, or even a spicy tomato chutney are all excellent choices.