Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, absolutely.Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed with Mozzarella are perfect for advance prep. You can shape them a day early and keep them chilled, or freeze them either raw or fully cooked. If freezing raw, lay them on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. You can also freeze cooked meatballs and reheat them in the oven or microwave ideal for fast meals that still taste homemade.

What can I serve with these meatballs?

These meatballs go perfectly with a wide range of sides. Serve them over pasta with marinara sauce, tuck them into toasted subs with melty cheese, or offer them solo with dipping sauce as appetizers. They're also great with mashed potatoes, risotto, couscous, or garlic butter rice. Add a crisp green salad or roasted veggies to round out the meal.

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Definitely. Frozen spinach works well in Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed with Mozzarella. Just be sure to thaw it fully and squeeze out as much moisture as possible before adding it to the mixture. Excess water can make the meatballs too soft or cause them to fall apart during cooking.

How do I keep the mozzarella from leaking out?

To keep the cheese tucked inside, press the meat mixture flat in your palm, nestle a mozzarella cube in the middle, then carefully fold the meat over and seal it all the way around. Roll it gently until smooth with no cracks. Make sure the mozzarella pieces are small and fully enclosed so they melt inside without oozing out.

Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed with Mozzarella – 7 Irresistible Reasons to Try Them

Name: Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed with Mozzarella
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef or a mix of beef and pork; 1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 large egg; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning; 1 cup mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes; 2 tbsp olive oil for cooking

Description

These Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed with Mozzarella are savory, juicy, and gooey with cheese. Perfect as an appetizer or main dish, and they freeze beautifully.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef or a mix of beef and pork

1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 cup breadcrumbs

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 large egg

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp black pepper

1/2 tsp Italian seasoning

1 cup mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes

2 tbsp olive oil for cooking

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Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine ground meat, spinach, garlic, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix gently until just combined.

2. Flatten about 1–2 tbsp of the meat mixture in your palm. Place a cube of mozzarella in the center and wrap the meat around it. Seal completely and roll into a ball.

3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs in batches for 4–5 minutes per side.

4. Transfer meatballs to a baking dish and bake at 375°F for 10 minutes to ensure the cheese is fully melted.

5. Serve warm with marinara sauce or over pasta, garnished with extra Parmesan and fresh basil.

Notes

If using frozen spinach, thaw and squeeze out excess moisture before mixing.

To freeze: place uncooked meatballs on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a sealed bag. Cook from frozen or thaw overnight.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Appetizer, Main Course
Method: Stovetop, Oven
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 3 meatballs
Calories: 410
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 490mg
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 14g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 7g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 100mg