Juicy, golden-browned meatballs stuffed with gooey mozzarella and blended with garlicky spinach create a tender and flavorful dish that’s perfect for family dinners or special gatherings. These cheesy meatballs are comforting, satisfying, and packed with rich, savory goodness in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These meatballs are incredibly tender thanks to the perfect balance of breadcrumbs and egg, while the melted mozzarella center adds a delicious surprise. The spinach brings freshness and a subtle earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with garlic and Parmesan. They’re versatile enough to serve over pasta, alongside rice, or even on their own with a dipping sauce. Plus, they’re easy to prepare and ready in under an hour.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 lb (450 g) ground beef
1/2 cup (50 g) breadcrumbs
1/4 cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup (30 g) fresh spinach, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 large egg
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 oz (115 g) mozzarella cheese, cut into 18–20 small cubes
Directions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, chopped spinach, minced garlic, egg, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Mix gently with your hands until all ingredients are just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.
Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the mixture and flatten it slightly in your palm.
Place one cube of mozzarella in the center and carefully wrap the meat mixture around it, sealing it completely. Roll into a smooth ball.
Place the stuffed meatball onto the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining mixture.
Lightly brush or drizzle the meatballs with olive oil.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the meatballs are golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 160°F / 71°C).
Allow them to rest for 5 minutes before serving to help the cheese set slightly inside.
Servings and timing
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Yield: 18–20 meatballs
Servings: 4–6 people
Variations
For a lighter option, substitute ground beef with ground chicken or turkey.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a gentle spicy kick.
Mix in finely chopped onions for extra moisture and flavor.
Swap mozzarella with shredded cheddar or provolone for a different cheesy center.
Simmer the baked meatballs in marinara sauce for 10 minutes before serving for added richness.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To freeze, place cooled meatballs on a tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
To reheat from refrigerated, warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–15 minutes or microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.
To reheat from frozen, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes or until thoroughly heated.
FAQs
Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare and shape the meatballs a day in advance and store them covered in the refrigerator before baking.
How do I keep the meatballs from falling apart?
Make sure to include the egg and breadcrumbs, and avoid overmixing the meat mixture.
Can I cook these on the stovetop instead of baking?
Yes, cook them in a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat, turning occasionally, until fully cooked through.
How do I know when the meatballs are done?
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, but thaw it completely and squeeze out excess moisture before mixing it into the meat.
What can I serve with these meatballs?
They pair well with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad.
Can I make them without cheese inside?
Yes, simply omit the mozzarella cubes for classic spinach garlic meatballs.
Why is my cheese leaking out?
Ensure the meat completely seals around the mozzarella cube with no cracks or thin spots.
Can I air fry these meatballs?
Yes, cook at 375°F (190°C) for about 12–15 minutes, shaking halfway through.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Simply double all ingredients and bake in batches if necessary.
Conclusion
Spinach Garlic Mozzarella Meatballs are a flavorful twist on a classic comfort dish. With their juicy texture, cheesy center, and aromatic garlic-spinach blend, they’re guaranteed to impress at any meal. Whether served as a main course or appetizer, this recipe is simple, satisfying, and sure to become a family favorite.
Spinach Garlic Mozzarella Meatballs are juicy, oven-baked meatballs blended with garlicky spinach and Parmesan, each stuffed with a gooey mozzarella center. Tender, flavorful, and comforting, they’re perfect for family dinners or entertaining.
Ingredients
1 lb (450 g) ground beef
1/2 cup (50 g) breadcrumbs
1/4 cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup (30 g) fresh spinach, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 large egg
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 oz (115 g) mozzarella cheese, cut into 18–20 small cubes
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, spinach, garlic, egg, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Mix gently until just combined, avoiding overmixing.
Scoop about 2 tablespoons of mixture and flatten slightly in your palm.
Place a mozzarella cube in the center and wrap meat around it, sealing completely. Roll into a ball.
Place meatballs on prepared baking sheet and drizzle lightly with olive oil.
Bake 20–25 minutes until golden and cooked through (internal temperature 160°F / 71°C).
Rest 5 minutes before serving to allow cheese to set slightly.
Notes
Seal mozzarella completely to prevent cheese from leaking.
Do not overmix to keep meatballs tender.
Thaw and drain frozen spinach thoroughly before using.
Store refrigerated up to 4 days or freeze up to 3 months.
Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes if preferred.
