Mouthwatering Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed with Mozzarella: A Comfort Classic!

Photo byAngie Bright

Few things bring as much comfort and satisfaction as a perfectly cooked meatball. But what if you could take your classic meatball recipe to the next level? Enter Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed With Mozzarella—a flavorful, juicy, and cheesy dish that’s sure to be a hit at your dinner table. Whether you're a fan of hearty Italian-inspired cuisine or simply crave a meal packed with rich flavors, this dish delivers in every bite. The combination of fresh spinach, aromatic garlic, and melty mozzarella creates an irresistible flavor explosion that elevates these meatballs far beyond the ordinary.

The star of the show here is the mozzarella center, a gooey, delicious surprise hidden within each perfectly browned meatball. Imagine the joy of cutting into a tender meatball and watching melted cheese ooze out—it's as satisfying to the eyes as it is to the palate. Alongside the mozzarella, sautéed spinach and garlic bring a subtle earthiness that balances the richness of the meat. With every bite, you’ll enjoy layers of savory beef and pork, crisp breadcrumbs, and a delicate hint of Parmesan.

These meatballs are great for a family meal or even as a party appetizer. Serve them over your favorite pasta or simply with a slice of crusty bread to soak up the sauce, and you’ve got a meal that’ll impress any crowd.

Recipe: Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed With Mozzarella

Ingredients:

For the Spinach:

• 8 ounces fresh baby spinach
• 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1-2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Meatballs:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 pound ground pork
• 2 ¼ cups bread crumbs
• 3 (or 4 if small) eggs
• Splash of milk
• 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes
• 1 jar Rao’s marinara sauce

Instructions:

1. Heat 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the baby spinach and toss until well coated in the oil. Allow the spinach to wilt for a few minutes.
2. Add the finely chopped garlic to the spinach and sauté for another minute or two until the garlic becomes fragrant. Remove the spinach mixture from the skillet, chop it finely, and set it aside to cool.
3. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, bread crumbs, eggs, a splash of milk, chopped garlic, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and the cooled spinach mixture. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
5. Roll the meat mixture into evenly sized meatballs. Press a small cube of mozzarella into the center of each meatball, making sure to roll the meat around the cheese so it’s completely encased.
6. In a cast iron skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Place the meatballs in the skillet and cook until they are golden brown on all sides, forming a crispy crust.
7. Once the meatballs are browned, spoon some marinara sauce into the skillet to create a sauce bed for the meatballs. This will allow them to simmer in the sauce while they bake.
8. Cover the skillet with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake the meatballs for about 25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
9. Once cooked, remove from the oven and serve the meatballs over your favorite pasta, topping with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs if desired.

These Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed With Mozzarella bring comfort and indulgence to your dinner table. The combination of beef, pork, and spinach creates a hearty and satisfying meatball, while the mozzarella center adds a creamy, cheesy surprise that melts into the flavorful marinara sauce as they bake. Pair them with a simple salad, pasta, or even garlic bread, and you have a meal that feels like a restaurant-quality dish made right at home.

This recipe is perfect for anyone looking to elevate their typical meatball dinner with something that tastes gourmet but is easy enough to make on a weeknight. Whether you’re hosting guests or treating your family, these cheesy, spinach-packed meatballs will become a favorite in no time.

Here are some sources that provide useful information and variations for the Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed With Mozzarella recipe:

1. Full Recipe Overview: This source breaks down the preparation steps, from sautéing spinach and garlic to forming the meatballs and stuffing them with mozzarella. It also highlights key serving suggestions and options like pairing the meatballs with pasta or using them in sandwiches​(Lily Bites)​(FULL RECIPE).
2. Additional Cooking Tips and Variations: This source offers insights on adjusting the recipe to fit different dietary needs, such as using ground turkey or making vegetarian versions with quinoa and mushrooms. It also provides suggestions for enhancing flavors with spices and different cheeses​(recipestasteful)​(SpiceWhisk).
3. Serving Suggestions: Another detailed source offers ideas like serving the meatballs on appetizer platters or pairing them with crusty bread or grains. It also includes helpful tips on storing leftovers and reheating​(Hugs and Cookies XOXO).

These sources provide a full range of options for customizing the recipe to your liking and tips for making the meatballs even more delicious. You can check out the full details and variations by following the links above!