Irresistible Spinach and Mozzarella-Stuffed Meatballs Recipe

Golden, juicy meatballs packed with vibrant spinach and mozzarella cheese create a mouthwatering twist on classic comfort food.

Tender ground beef blends seamlessly with fresh herbs and savory seasonings.

Each bite promises an explosion of rich, melty cheese and earthy spinach that will make dinner feel instantly special.

These protein-packed spheres of deliciousness come together quickly with simple ingredients found in most kitchens.

The combination of hearty meat and green vegetables adds nutritional balance to an already satisfying meal.

Summer or winter, these meatballs serve up warmth and flavor that everyone at the table will love.

Get ready to roll up your sleeves and create a dish that transforms an ordinary evening into a culinary celebration.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 5

Everything You Need for Spinach and Mozzarella-Stuffed Meatballs

• Ground Meat: Provides hearty protein foundation, choose lean meat with some fat for juiciness and flavor.
• Breadcrumbs: Helps bind ingredients and create tender texture, use fresh or dry breadcrumbs for best results.
• Egg: Acts as natural binder, ensures meatballs hold together smoothly.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds rich, salty depth and helps enhance overall meaty flavor.

• Garlic: Delivers aromatic punch, select fresh cloves for most intense flavor.
• Italian Seasoning: Brings classic Mediterranean herbal notes, ensures balanced taste profile.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Fundamental flavor enhancers, freshly ground pepper recommended.

• Spinach: Introduces vibrant green color and nutrition, finely chop for even distribution.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Creates delightful melty center, use firm cubes that maintain shape during cooking.
• Olive Oil: Helps achieve golden-brown exterior, choose extra virgin for best taste.

Gather These Tools for Spinach and Mozzarella-Stuffed Meatballs

• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining all meat and seasoning ingredients.
• Skillet or frying pan: Essential for evenly browning the meatballs.
• Sharp knife: Great for chopping spinach and mincing garlic.
• Cutting board: Provides clean surface for chopping ingredients.
• Measuring spoons: Helps accurately measure salt, pepper, and seasonings.
• Spatula or tongs: Useful for turning and moving meatballs while cooking.
• Cheese grater: Helpful for grating fresh Parmesan cheese.

How to Make Spinach and Mozzarella-Stuffed Meatballs from Scratch

• Meatball Mixture

Gather fresh ground meat and a collection of zesty herbs and seasonings. Blend these ingredients gently in a spacious mixing bowl, ensuring each component is evenly distributed without overmixing.

• Cheese Surprise Center

Take small portions of the meat mixture and create delicate flattened circles. Nestle a cube of creamy mozzarella right in the middle, then carefully fold the meat around the cheese, creating a hidden treasure inside each meatball.

• Golden Sizzle

Warm a skillet with a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Place the meatballs carefully, giving them space to brown beautifully. Cook each side until they develop a rich, appetizing golden crust and reach a perfect internal temperature, ensuring the cheese melts into a luscious center.

Smart Prep Tips for Spinach and Mozzarella-Stuffed Meatballs

• Replace mozzarella with provolone, fontina, or gouda to create exciting cheese-filled surprises that'll make your meatballs stand out from the crowd.
• Boost the flavor by adding fresh chopped herbs like basil, parsley, or oregano to the meat mixture for an extra burst of aromatic goodness.
• For a healthier alternative, bake the meatballs in a preheated 400°F oven for 15-20 minutes instead of pan-frying, ensuring they're golden and cooked through.
• Prepare a double batch and freeze uncooked meatballs on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for quick and easy meals during busy weeks.

Best Ways to Serve Spinach and Mozzarella-Stuffed Meatballs

• Serve with Pasta Perfection: Toss these cheesy meatballs over al dente spaghetti or linguine, creating a classic Italian-inspired meal that's sure to delight everyone at the dinner table.
• Pair with Crusty Bread: Grab a warm, crusty Italian bread to soak up the delicious juices and create the ultimate comfort food experience that will make mouths water.
• Create a Hearty Salad Companion: Plate these meatballs alongside a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the rich, cheesy flavors and add a fresh element to the dish.
• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley on top to add a burst of color and bright, aromatic finish that elevates the entire meal.

Tips and Make-Ahead Ideas for Spinach and Mozzarella-Stuffed Meatballs

• Maximize Meal Prep: Craft these meatballs ahead of time and store in the refrigerator for quick weeknight dinners. They'll stay fresh for 3-4 days when sealed in an airtight container.
• Freeze for Future Feasts: Pack cooled meatballs in freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. They'll maintain top-notch flavor and texture for up to 3 months, ready to thaw and reheat whenever hunger strikes.
• Reheat with Care: Warm refrigerated meatballs in a skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, or microwave for 1-2 minutes. Add a splash of marinara sauce to keep them juicy and prevent drying out.
• Smart Portion Planning: Divide the batch into individual or family-sized portions before freezing. This strategy saves time and allows flexible meal options for solo diners or larger gatherings.

Hearty Spinach And Mozzarella-Stuffed Meatballs Recipe

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4.7 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Italian-inspired meatballs packed with spinach and mozzarella create a delightful twist on classic comfort cuisine. Succulent ground beef mingles with fresh herbs, promising a satisfying meal that brings Mediterranean flavors directly to your plate.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb (454 g) ground beef or beef and pork mix
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, cubed
• 1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped
• ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large egg
• ¼ cup breadcrumbs
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning
• 2 tbsps olive oil for cooking

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Combine ground protein, spinach, garlic, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, salt, pepper, and Italian herbs in a large mixing bowl. Gently mix ingredients until just incorporated, avoiding excessive manipulation of the meat mixture.
2. Molding: Divide the seasoned mixture into equal portions. Flatten each portion into a thin disc, creating a delicate base for cheese encapsulation.
3. Cheese Filling: Place a mozzarella cube at the center of each meat disc. Carefully fold and seal the meat around the cheese, ensuring complete coverage with no cheese exposure.
4. Shaping: Roll each meat parcel between palms to create uniform, smooth spherical meatballs that maintain the cheese core.
5. Cooking: Heat olive oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium heat (350°F/175°C). Arrange meatballs in the pan, leaving space between each to promote even browning and prevent steaming.
6. Searing: Cook meatballs for 3-4 minutes per side, rotating to achieve a rich golden-brown crust. Verify internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) to ensure thorough cooking.
7. Finishing: Remove meatballs and drain on paper towels to absorb excess oil, preserving their crisp exterior and juicy interior.

Notes

• Prevent Overworking Meat: Mix ingredients gently to keep meatballs tender and prevent tough texture.
• Cheese Sealing Technique: Completely wrap mozzarella inside meat to prevent cheese leakage during cooking.
• Temperature Control: Maintain medium heat around 350°F for perfect golden-brown exterior without burning.
• Moisture Retention Tip: Rest meatballs on paper towels briefly to drain excess oil and preserve juiciness.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg