The Juiciest Spinach Garlic Meatballs With Mozzarella Recipe

Nestled in a comforting world of Mediterranean flavors, these spinach garlic meatballs with mozzarella promise a delightful culinary adventure.

Soft herbs and melted cheese create an irresistible combination that dances on your palate.

Rich ground meat mingles with vibrant green spinach, offering a nutritious twist to classic comfort food.

Fragrant garlic weaves its magic through each carefully crafted bite, infusing depth and warmth.

Sharp mozzarella melts into pockets of creamy goodness, surprising you with unexpected texture.

Perfectly balanced and impossibly tender, these meatballs challenge everything you thought you knew about traditional recipes.

Prepare to fall in love with a dish that turns an ordinary meal into an extraordinary experience.

Best Pairings for Spinach Garlic Meatballs

Choose a medium-bodied Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese that complements the rich, savory meatballs and cuts through their hearty flavor.

Crispy, buttery garlic bread provides the perfect vehicle for soaking up any delicious pan juices and adds a complementary garlic note to the dish.

A light, peppery arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette balances the rich meatballs and adds a refreshing, zesty contrast to the meal.

Herb-roasted Mediterranean vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant enhance the Italian-inspired flavors and provide a nutritious accompaniment.

Proper Storage for Spinach Garlic Meatballs

• Store meatballs in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Place them in a single layer to prevent sticking and preserve their shape.
• Wrap cooled meatballs individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months for maximum flavor and texture preservation.
• Arrange meatballs on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, place meatballs on a baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 10-15 minutes until heated completely.

FAQs

• How do I prevent the meatballs from falling apart while cooking?

Mix ingredients thoroughly and ensure the mixture is well-combined. Chill the meatballs for 15-20 minutes before baking to help them hold their shape better.

• Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen spinach. Thaw and squeeze out excess moisture completely before adding to the meat mixture to prevent the meatballs from becoming too wet.

• What type of ground meat works best for these meatballs?

Ground beef or a mix of beef and pork works great. Lean ground meat with some fat content (80/20 ratio) helps keep the meatballs moist and flavorful.

• How can I check if the meatballs are fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 160F (71C).

What Makes Spinach Garlic Meatballs So Delicious

• Burst with Hidden Cheese: Discover the delightful surprise of melted mozzarella waiting inside each meatball, creating a mouthwatering moment of pure deliciousness.
• Sneak in Greens Effortlessly: Pack nutritious spinach into a kid-friendly dish that transforms healthy ingredients into an irresistible meal everyone will love.
• Quick Weeknight Wonder: Prepare these meatballs with minimal prep and simple ingredients, making them perfect for busy families seeking a satisfying dinner solution.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Serve as a main course, appetizer, or party snack that impresses guests and satisfies different dining preferences with its rich flavors and cheesy center.

Ingredients for Spinach Garlic Meatballs with Cheese

• Ground Meat: A protein-packed foundation that provides a hearty texture and rich flavor for the meatballs.

• Breadcrumbs, Egg: These ingredients help bind the meatballs together and keep them moist during cooking.

• Fresh Spinach: Adds a nutritious green element and subtle earthy flavor to the meatballs.
• Garlic, Salt, Pepper: Seasonings that create depth and complexity in the overall taste profile.

• Mozzarella Cheese: A creamy, melty surprise in the center that provides a luxurious texture and rich dairy flavor.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing and adding a smooth, rich base to the cooking process.

How to Cook Spinach Garlic Meatballs

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 400°F and grab a baking sheet. Line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup and perfect browning.

Step 2: Sizzle and Wilt Spinach

Heat olive oil in a skillet and toss in minced garlic. Let it dance and release its aromatic magic.

Add fresh spinach and cook until it softens and wilts completely. Set aside to cool down.

Step 3: Mix the Meatball Magic

• Ground meat
• Cooled spinach mixture
• Breadcrumbs
• Egg
• Salt
• Black pepper

Use your hands to blend everything thoroughly, ensuring all ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 4: Create Cheesy Meatball Centers

Scoop out portions of the meat mixture.

Press a chunk of mozzarella into the center of each portion, then roll into perfect round balls. Make sure the cheese is completely enclosed.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet. Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.

They’re ready when they turn a beautiful golden brown and are cooked completely through.

Helpful Tips for Spinach Garlic Meatballs

• Add a splash of milk or water to the meat mixture to keep meatballs tender and juicy.
• Completely encase the mozzarella inside the meat to prevent cheese from leaking during baking.
• Finely chop spinach to distribute evenly throughout the meatballs for consistent flavor and nutrition.
• Use a cookie scoop or ice cream scoop to create uniform-sized meatballs that cook at the same rate.
• Let the sauteed garlic and spinach cool before mixing to prevent cooking the meat prematurely and maintain fresh herb taste.

Variations to Try with Spinach Garlic Meatballs

• Chicken Spinach Mozzarella Meatballs: Replace ground beef with ground chicken for a leaner protein option with similar flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Herbal Meatballs: Substitute breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs and add fresh herbs like basil or oregano for extra flavor.
• Vegetarian Mediterranean Balls: Create a plant-based version using ground lentils, quinoa, or textured vegetable protein as a meat replacement, keeping the spinach and cheese components.
• Low-Carb Keto-Friendly Meatballs: Remove breadcrumbs entirely, use ground pork or beef, increase egg content for binding, and serve with a low-carb marinara sauce.

Spinach Garlic Meatballs With Mozzarella Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Hearty spinach garlic meatballs with mozzarella offer a delightful Mediterranean-inspired fusion of classic comfort and fresh ingredients. Juicy ground meat, fragrant herbs, and melted cheese create a perfect bite that elevates weeknight dinners with irresistible flavor you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef or turkey

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 3 cloves minced garlic

Binding and Flavoring Ingredients:

• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 large egg
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 400F and prepare a parchment-lined baking sheet for optimal meatball roasting.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet, gently sauté garlic until aromatic, then incorporate fresh spinach and cook until completely wilted and softened.
3. Let the spinach-garlic mixture cool to room temperature to prevent overheating the meat mixture.
4. Combine ground meat with cooled spinach blend, breadcrumbs, egg, salt, and pepper in a spacious mixing bowl.
5. Thoroughly blend ingredients using hands or a fork, ensuring even distribution of seasonings and spinach.
6. Portion the meat mixture into uniform sections, creating a small indent in each portion’s center.
7. Insert a chunk of mozzarella cheese into the center of each meat portion, carefully encasing the cheese completely.
8. Gently roll the meat mixture into smooth, round balls, maintaining the cheese’s concealment within the meat.
9. Arrange meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly to promote consistent cooking.
10. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, rotating the sheet midway for uniform browning.
11. Confirm doneness by checking that meatballs are golden brown and internal temperature reaches 160F.
12. Remove from oven and allow meatballs to rest for 3-5 minutes before serving to retain moisture and cheese integrity.

Notes

• Enhance flavor by using fresh garlic and high-quality spinach for a more vibrant taste profile.
• Customize protein options by substituting ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner meatball.
• Prevent cheese from leaking by freezing mozzarella chunks briefly before stuffing inside the meatballs.
• Ensure even cooking by using a meat thermometer to check internal temperature reaches 160F for food safety.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 390 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 520 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg