There’s something magical about comfort food that brings people together. Imagine it’s a chilly evening, the scent of garlic wafts through the kitchen, and the sound of sizzling meatballs fills the air. You’re gathered around the table with friends or family, sharing laughter over hearty, cheesy bites. That’s the perfect moment for Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed with Mozzarella—a dish that delivers tender, juicy meatballs with a hidden surprise of melty mozzarella in every bite.

This recipe was born out of a love for combining bold Italian flavors with a creative twist. Inspired by traditional meatballs and infused with spinach for a nutritious boost, these mozzarella-stuffed wonders are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether it’s game night, a weeknight family dinner, or even meal prep for the week ahead, this dish checks all the boxes: easy, delicious, and unforgettable.

Why You’ll Love These Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed with Mozzarella

These aren’t your average meatballs. Here’s why this recipe is going to become a staple in your kitchen:

Melty Cheese Center: Each bite holds a surprise—warm, gooey mozzarella oozing out for the ultimate cheese pull.
Nutritious Twist: Packed with spinach and garlic, these meatballs sneak in greens without sacrificing flavor.
Versatile Serving Options: Serve them with marinara, over pasta, tucked into a sandwich, or enjoyed on their own.
Make-Ahead Friendly: These meatballs freeze beautifully, making them perfect for prepping ahead.

Ingredients You’ll Need 🧄🧀🌿

You likely already have most of these ingredients in your kitchen! Here’s what you’ll need to make about 4 servings of this delicious recipe:

1 lb ground beef or turkey 🍖 – Your choice of protein makes the base rich and satisfying.
1 cup fresh spinach, chopped 🌿 – Adds moisture, nutrients, and a pop of color.
2 cloves garlic, minced 🧄 – For that warm, aromatic flavor that defines Italian cooking.
1/2 cup breadcrumbs 🍞 – Helps bind everything together for a tender bite.
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese 🧀 – Adds a salty, nutty depth to the mix.
1 egg 🥚 – Keeps the meatballs cohesive and moist.
1 tsp dried oregano 🌿 – For a hint of herbal, earthy spice.
1 tsp dried basil 🌿 – Brings in classic Italian flavor.
1/2 tsp salt 🧂 – Enhances every other flavor in the recipe.
1/4 tsp black pepper 🧑‍🍳 – Adds just a touch of heat.
4 oz mozzarella cheese, cut into cubes 🧀 – The star of the show. Use fresh mozzarella for best results.
Olive oil for cooking 🫒 – A good-quality oil gives a golden, crispy crust.
Marinara sauce for serving 🍅 – Bright, tangy, and perfect for dipping or drizzling.

Step-by-Step Instructions 👩‍🍳

Let’s walk through how to make these cheesy, garlicky meatballs from scratch. The process is simple, but the results are gourmet-level delicious.

1️⃣ Prepare the Meatball Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef or turkey, chopped spinach, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.

Mix until just combined. You want the ingredients evenly distributed, but be careful not to overmix, or the meatballs could turn out tough.

Pro Tip: For the juiciest texture, use your hands to mix the meat—it’s gentler than a spoon or spatula.

2️⃣ Stuff the Meatballs

Take about 2 tablespoons of the meat mixture and flatten it in your palm. Place a cube of mozzarella cheese in the center, then mold the meat around it, sealing completely so the cheese doesn’t leak while cooking.

Repeat until all the meat and cheese cubes are used up. You should end up with about 12–16 medium-sized meatballs.

Pro Tip: Chill the cheese cubes for 10–15 minutes beforehand to make stuffing easier.

3️⃣ Cook the Meatballs

Heat a few tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan.

Cook for 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally, until they’re browned on all sides.

Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and cook for an additional 5–7 minutes to ensure the meat is fully cooked and the cheese inside has melted.

Pro Tip: If you’re cooking in batches, keep the finished meatballs warm in a 200°F oven.

4️⃣ Serve and Enjoy!

Serve your stuffed meatballs hot and fresh, ideally over a bed of spaghetti, rice, or zucchini noodles. You can also enjoy them on their own with a side of warm marinara sauce for dipping.

Garnish with fresh basil, extra Parmesan, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a restaurant-quality finish.

Serving Ideas & Variations

One of the best parts of this recipe is how customizable it is! Here are a few serving ideas and fun variations to try:

Serving Suggestions 🍽️

Over pasta with marinara or Alfredo sauce.
In a hoagie roll topped with more mozzarella for a killer meatball sub.
As an appetizer with toothpicks and dipping sauces for parties.
With roasted vegetables or a salad for a low-carb dinner.

Recipe Variations 🔄

Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños to the meat mixture.
Different Cheese: Try stuffing with provolone, cheddar, or even goat cheese for a flavor twist.
Make it Vegan: Use plant-based ground meat, vegan cheese, and flax egg as a binder.
Gluten-Free: Swap breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free oats.

Meal Prep & Storage Tips

These meatballs are perfect for meal prepping or saving leftovers for another day. Here’s how to make the most of them:

To Store:

Refrigerator: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Place cooled meatballs on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Keeps for up to 3 months.

To Reheat:

Microwave for 1–2 minutes (cover with a damp paper towel to avoid drying out).
Or reheat in a skillet with a splash of marinara over low heat.

Pro Tip: If freezing raw, form the stuffed meatballs and freeze them uncooked. Cook straight from frozen, adding 5–7 extra minutes to the cook time.

Nutrition at a Glance (Per Serving Estimate)

These values will vary slightly based on ingredients and portion sizes.

Calories: ~380
Protein: ~27g
Carbohydrates: ~10g
Fat: ~25g
Fiber: ~1.5g

With lean protein, leafy greens, and healthy fats, these meatballs strike a delicious balance between indulgence and nutrition.

Reader-Approved Tips & Tricks

Here are a few tested and loved tricks from our readers and foodies who’ve made this recipe:

“I doubled the batch and froze half for quick dinners. Lifesaver!”
“Used turkey and added sun-dried tomatoes—SO good.”
“My kids devoured these! I usually struggle to get them to eat spinach.”

FAQ: Your Meatball Questions, Answered

Can I bake these instead of frying them?

Yes! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake on a lined baking sheet for 20–25 minutes. Finish under the broiler for a crispy crust.

What if the cheese leaks out?

Make sure to completely seal the meat around the cheese. Chilling the cheese beforehand also helps it stay inside during cooking.

Can I make these ahead for a party?

Absolutely. Prep and cook them the day before, then reheat gently before serving. They’re great in a crockpot on “warm” with marinara for events.

Share the Cheesy Joy! 🧄🧀

If you try this Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed with Mozzarella recipe, we’d love to hear about it! Tag us on social media, share a photo, or leave a review in the comments below. Recipes like this are meant to be shared, celebrated, and made over and over again.

Whether you’re hosting friends or feeding the family, these meatballs promise big flavor in every bite. So fire up the skillet, grab your mozzarella, and let the kitchen magic begin!