Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed With Mozzarella
Spinach garlic meatballs stuffed with melty mozzarella—tender, juicy, and full of flavor. Easy to bake or pan-fry, they're perfect for dinner, parties, or meal prep.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef pork, or a mix (turkey or chicken works too)
- 1 cup fresh spinach finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ½ cup breadcrumbs plain or panko
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes optional
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 8 –10 small mozzarella balls bocconcini or cubes of mozzarella cheese
For the Sauce (Optional):
- 1 jar 24 oz marinara sauce (or homemade tomato sauce)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Finely chop spinach and mince garlic. Pat mozzarella dry to prevent excess moisture.
- In a large bowl, mix ground meat, spinach, garlic, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper until just combined.
- Flatten 2 tbsp of meat mixture in your palm. Add mozzarella to the center, wrap and seal, then roll into a ball. Repeat.
- Cook the Meatballs: Oven: Bake at 400°F (200°C) on a lined sheet for 20–25 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Skillet: Heat 1–2 tbsp olive oil over medium. Cook meatballs 8–10 minutes, turning until browned and cooked through.
- Warm marinara in a skillet over medium-low. Add meatballs and simmer 5–10 minutes. Garnish with basil.