Cheesy Spinach Garlic Meatballs Recipe

Delight your taste buds with the ultimate comfort food – Spinach Garlic Meatballs Mozzarella! These tender meatballs are a true crowd-pleaser, filled with gooey mozzarella, just-wilted spinach, and bold garlic flavors. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or a special gathering, these meatballs are sure to impress everyone at the table.

I first whipped up these Spinach Garlic Meatballs Mozzarella for a memorable birthday celebration, and they have since become a beloved go-to dish in my household. The cheesy surprise in the center never fails to bring smiles to everyone’s faces, and the earthy spinach adds a fresh twist to the indulgent flavors. Trust me, once you slice into one of these meatballs and witness the cheese stretch, you’ll be hooked!

What makes these meatballs even more irresistible is how well they keep – perfect for meal prepping or freezing for later indulgence. Whether served over pasta, with a side salad, or stuffed in a crusty roll, these Spinach Garlic Meatballs Mozzarella are a versatile and delicious addition to any dining occasion. Don’t hesitate to whip up a batch and savor the cheesy goodness for days to come!

Quick Benefits

• Impressive comfort food that pleases crowds
• Gooey mozzarella center adds indulgence and flavor
• Can be prepared in advance and frozen for quick weeknight dinners
• Versatile – can use different types of ground meat and stuffing options

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Spinach Garlic Meatballs Recipe Recipe

• Impressive Presentation: Slicing into these meatballs reveals a gooey mozzarella center that never fails to impress at the dinner table.
• Family Favorite: Perfect for family gatherings or special occasions, these meatballs are a hit with both kids and adults, always leaving everyone asking for more.
• Versatile: Easily customize this recipe by using different meats or cheeses to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
• Make-Ahead: These meatballs can be prepared in advance, stored in the fridge, or frozen for quick and convenient weeknight meals.
• Italian Comfort: A twist on traditional Italian meatballs, the combination of pork and beef with a cheesy center makes this dish a comforting and satisfying choice.
• Perfect for Entertaining: Whether served over pasta, in a sub, or on their own with toothpicks, these stuffed meatballs are a crowd-pleaser and a great option for gatherings.
• Delicious Leftovers: Enjoy the flavors of these meatballs even after the meal is over, as they reheat well and maintain their delicious taste and texture.

Ingredients for Cheesy Spinach Garlic Meatballs Recipe

Spinach Preparation

• 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 225 grams fresh baby spinach
• 15–30 millilitres olive oil

Meatball Mixture

• 50 grams Parmesan cheese, finely grated
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 150 grams mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes
• 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 450 grams ground pork
• 450 grams ground beef
• 30 millilitres olive oil
• 30 millilitres milk
• 680 grams marinara sauce (1 jar)
• 240 grams bread crumbs
• 3 large eggs

Pro Tips for Cheesy Spinach Garlic Meatballs Recipe

To ensure your spinach garlic meatballs turn out perfectly, be sure to thoroughly thaw and drain frozen spinach before sautéing it with garlic. This step helps prevent excess moisture in the mixture, resulting in firmer and more flavorful meatballs. Additionally, make sure to fully encase the mozzarella cheese cube with the meat mixture before browning the meatballs. This will help seal any cracks and keep the cheese inside for that gooey center everyone loves.

For added convenience and flavor development, consider preparing the meatballs in advance. You can form the meatballs and refrigerate them for several hours to allow the flavors to meld together, or freeze them for later use. This not only enhances the taste but also makes meal prep easier for busy weeknights. Serve these delicious meatballs over pasta, polenta, or alongside roasted vegetables and crusty bread to soak up the marinara sauce. Whether as a main dish or part of a buffet spread, these stuffed meatballs are sure to impress your family and guests with their festive and flavorful twist on a classic recipe.

How to Make Cheesy Spinach Garlic Meatballs Recipe

Step 1: Wilt the Spinach

In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add fresh baby spinach and toss until coated, allowing it to wilt for several minutes.

Step 2: Infuse Garlic Aroma

Sauté finely chopped garlic in the skillet for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 3: Chop and Cool Spinach

Move the wilted spinach and garlic mixture to a cutting board, finely chop, and let it cool completely.

Step 4: Prepare for Baking

Preheat oven to 175°C and prepare a baking tray or ovenproof skillet.

Step 5: Combine Meatball Ingredients

Combine ground beef, ground pork, bread crumbs, eggs, milk, garlic, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and cooled spinach mixture in a large mixing bowl. Gently mix until evenly combined.

Step 6: Form Stuffed Meatballs

Form the meat mixture into uniform balls. Insert a small cube of mozzarella into the center of each ball and roll to seal the cheese inside.

Step 7: Sear for Flavour

In a cast iron skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear meatballs until golden brown with a firm crust on all sides.

Step 8: Prepare for Oven Finishing

Spread marinara sauce in the skillet and place the browned meatballs on top.

Step 9: Bake Until Cooked Through

Cover the skillet with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 74°C.

Step 10: Final Presentation

Garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs, serve hot with pasta or bread.

Storage Tips

After preparing the Spinach Garlic Meatballs Mozzarella, ensure any leftovers are stored properly for optimal freshness. These meatballs can be stored in the refrigerator for three to four days. Simply cover them well to prevent drying out and place them in the fridge. When ready to enjoy again, gently reheat them either in the oven or microwave until thoroughly heated.

For longer storage, freeze the cooked meatballs in a freezer-safe container with some marinara sauce in between the layers. This helps prevent freezer burn and keeps the meatballs moist. By freezing them, you can enjoy these delicious meatballs at a later time without any compromise in flavor or texture. Consider making a double batch to have a convenient meal option for quick weeknight dinners down the road.

When reheating the meatballs from the freezer, allow them to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. This ensures even reheating and helps maintain the quality of the dish. Whether enjoying them fresh or from the freezer, these Spinach Garlic Meatballs Mozzarella make for a delightful meal that can be easily stored and enjoyed with minimal effort.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you prefer a lighter option, you can substitute ground turkey for the ground beef or pork. Ground turkey will still provide a tasty and lean alternative to the original recipe. Additionally, if you are looking to make this dish gluten-free, you can use gluten-free bread crumbs instead of regular bread crumbs. This simple swap will cater to those with dietary restrictions without compromising on flavor or texture.

For a different cheesy twist, you can substitute the mozzarella with cubed provolone or Monterey Jack cheese. These cheeses will still melt beautifully inside the meatballs, providing a gooey and flavorful center. Just ensure that the cheese cubes are well encased within the meat mixture to prevent any leakage during cooking. Moreover, if you are out of fresh baby spinach, you can use thawed and drained frozen chopped spinach. Remember to squeeze out as much water as possible from the thawed spinach before adding it to the meatball mixture to prevent excess moisture.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion, try serving these Spinach Garlic Meatballs Mozzarella on a bed of creamy polenta, allowing the cheesy center to ooze out over the velvety polenta. Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley for a pop of color and freshness. This dish combines the comforting flavors of the meatballs with the creamy polenta for a satisfying and hearty meal.

Another fun idea is to serve these stuffed meatballs as sliders during a casual gathering or game night. Toast mini brioche buns, add a dollop of marinara sauce on the bottom bun, place a meatball on top, and finish with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese. Secure each slider with a toothpick and watch as guests enjoy the gooey cheese pull with each bite. This presentation adds a playful twist to the classic meatball dish and is sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike.

FAQs for Cheesy Spinach Garlic Meatballs Recipe

Can I use all beef instead of a mix of beef and pork in the meatballs?

Yes, you can use all beef if you prefer. However, using a mix of beef and pork gives the meatballs a richer, juicier texture and deeper flavor.

How can I ensure the cheese stays inside the meatballs while cooking?

Make sure the meat completely encases the cheese cube before browning the meatballs. Seal any cracks well to keep the cheese inside during cooking.

Can I prepare the meatballs in advance?

Absolutely! You can form the meatballs and refrigerate them for several hours before cooking, or you can even freeze them for later use. Just be sure to follow the cooking instructions when ready to cook.

What are some serving suggestions for these spinach garlic meatballs stuffed with mozzarella?

These meatballs are delicious served over pasta, polenta, or alongside roasted vegetables and crusty bread to soak up the marinara sauce. They can also be enjoyed on their own as part of a buffet spread with toothpicks and extra sauce on the side.

Conclusion

I hope you enjoyed making these indulgent Spinach Garlic Meatballs Mozzarella as much as I did! The combination of tender meatballs, flavorful garlic, and gooey melted mozzarella truly makes this recipe a standout dish. Whether you’re preparing them for a special occasion or just a cozy family dinner, these meatballs are sure to impress and satisfy.

Remember, feel free to customize this recipe to your liking by using different types of meat, cheeses, or even experimenting with various stuffings. The beauty of cooking is in making it your own! I love seeing how this dish brings people together at my table, and I hope it does the same for you. So gather your loved ones, share a meal, and savor each bite of these delicious Spinach Garlic Meatballs Mozzarella. Bon appétit!