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Spinach Garlic Meatballs Recipe

ByCaroline
Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 6 reviews

If you’re on the hunt for a flavorful, comforting dish that’s a little bit classic and a little bit unexpected, then this Spinach Garlic Meatballs Recipe is going to be your new go-to. It’s everything you love about traditional meatballs but bumped up a notch with fresh spinach and garlic, plus a melty mozzarella surprise inside each one. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll find a permanent spot in your meal rotation.

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Balanced Flavors: The spinach and garlic combo adds freshness and depth without overpowering the meat.
  • Cheesy Center Surprise: Using chilled mozzarella cubes ensures every bite bursts with gooey goodness that stays contained.
  • Versatile Cooking Methods: Whether you bake or pan-sear, you get a deliciously tender and juicy meatball every time.
  • Customizable Heat and Herbs: Adding red pepper flakes or parsley lets you tailor the flavor exactly to your liking.
Spinach Garlic Meatballs, healthy meatballs with spinach, cheesy stuffed meatballs, easy Italian meatball recipe, crowd-pleasing meatball dishes - The image shows a close-up of several round, cooked meatballs with a golden-brown and slightly crispy top layer. The surface of the meatballs has small green herb pieces visible, adding specks of green color. They are placed together on a white plate, with some fresh green leafy herbs scattered around for garnish. The background and surface under the plate have a white marbled texture that looks clean and bright, emphasizing the rich color of the meatballs. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 this …

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Spinach Garlic Meatballs Recipe plays a role in elevating the dish. Combining fresh leafy greens with hearty meat and a cheesy core means you get a rich flavor profile with a lot of texture contrast. Plus, opting for high-quality spices and cheeses elevates the taste even more. Let me share some tips on picking the right ingredients to make your meatballs shine.

Spinach Garlic Meatballs, healthy meatballs with spinach, cheesy stuffed meatballs, easy Italian meatball recipe, crowd-pleasing meatball dishes - Flat lay of fresh raw ground beef mound, a vibrant bunch of fresh spinach leaves, four peeled garlic cloves, one small whole white onion, one large uncracked brown egg, a small white ceramic bowl with golden brown breadcrumbs, a small white ceramic bowl filled with grated Parmesan cheese, several chilled mozzarella cubes, a small white ceramic bowl with mixed Italian seasoning herbs, a small white ceramic bowl with bright red pepper flakes, and a few sprigs of fresh green parsley, all arranged symmetrically and naturally on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997
  • Ground Beef or Turkey: Use lean beef for rich flavor or turkey for a lighter version; lean turkey keeps it healthy without drying out.
  • Fresh Spinach: Always go fresh—not frozen—for vibrant color and better texture once sautéed.
  • Garlic: Fresh minced garlic packs the best punch compared to pre-minced or powdered; it really wakes up the dish.
  • Breadcrumbs: Regular breadcrumbs work great, but oats or almond flour are perfect gluten-free alternatives.
  • Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds a savory, salty depth that complements both the meat and mozzarella beautifully.
  • Chilled Mozzarella Cubes: Using chilled cubes lets them hold together inside meatballs, which means no cheese leaks or mess!
  • Italian Seasoning: A staple blend that brings classic herb flavors—thyme, oregano, basil—that pair wonderfully with garlic and spinach.
  • Salt & Pepper: Simple but essential; seasoning correctly makes all the difference.
  • Optional Enhancements – Red Pepper Flakes & Parsley: A little heat and fresh herbiness can really brighten things up if you want to experiment.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best parts about this Spinach Garlic Meatballs Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. Whether you’re avoiding dairy, prefer a spicier kick, or want to sneak in more veggies, there are plenty of ways to personalize these meatballs.

  • Variation: I often swap ground beef for lean turkey when I want something lighter but still satisfying; turkey holds moisture well with the mozzarella inside.
  • Dairy-Free Option: You can leave out the cheese or use a dairy-free mozzarella alternative, though I find the cheese gives such a lovely gooey texture.
  • Extra Veggies: Adding finely chopped mushrooms or bell peppers with the spinach is a great way to boost nutrition and flavor.
  • Spicy Twist: Red pepper flakes or a dash of smoked paprika adds warmth without overwhelming the garlic and herbs.
  • Cooking Style: Baking is hands-off and keeps meatballs tender; pan-searing adds a crispy crust if you love texture contrast.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Spinach Garlic Meatballs Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Spinach and Garlic for Maximum Flavor

Start by heating a skillet over medium heat and adding your fresh spinach along with minced garlic. Cook just until the spinach wilts—about 3 to 4 minutes. This step unlocks the flavors and softens the greens so they blend perfectly in the meatballs. Let the mixture cool before chopping it finely; this helps you get even distribution throughout the meat mixture.

Step 2: Mix Ingredients Gently for Tenderness

In a mixing bowl, combine your ground meat, one beaten egg, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and the chopped spinach-garlic mix. The key here is to stir gently—overmixing makes meatballs tough. Mix just until everything is evenly combined.

Step 3: Form Meatballs Around Chilled Mozzarella Cubes

Now for the fun part! Take a chilled mozzarella cube and completely wrap it with your meat mixture, pressing gently to seal all edges. This ensures that when cooking, your cheese stays inside, giving that lovely gooey center everybody loves. Make sure there are no gaps through which the cheese can ooze out.

Step 4: Cook Your Meatballs – Bake or Pan-Sear

You can bake the meatballs in a 400°F (200°C) oven for 20 to 25 minutes, which is great if you want to walk away and relax, or pan-sear them in a bit of oil over medium-high heat for about 6 to 8 minutes per side for a crisp exterior. Both give a juicy, flavorful result. If you want extra sauciness, simmering them in a warm marinara for 5 to 10 minutes after cooking adds a delicious finishing touch.

Step 5: Rest Before Serving

Always let your meatballs rest for at least 5 minutes once cooked. This step locks in the juicy flavors and helps them hold together better on your plate instead of falling apart. Patience here truly pays off.

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Tips from My Kitchen

  • Use Chilled Mozzarella Cubes: This little trick stopped cheese leaks for me every single time, plus it’s easier to shape the meatballs around firm cubes.
  • Don’t Overmix the Meat: I learned the hard way that overmixing makes the meatballs dense; gentle mixing keeps them tender and juicy.
  • Sauté Spinach First: Cooking spinach and garlic together releases the best flavor and removes excess moisture that could soggy up your meatballs.
  • Rest the Meatballs: Letting them rest after cooking really helped me keep them intact and juicy rather than crumbly.

How to Serve Spinach Garlic Meatballs Recipe

Spinach Garlic Meatballs, healthy meatballs with spinach, cheesy stuffed meatballs, easy Italian meatball recipe, crowd-pleasing meatball dishes - The image shows a close-up of several golden-brown meatballs, each with a slightly crispy and charred outside. One meatball is cut open in front, revealing a soft inside with green leafy herbs mixed in. The meatballs sit on a white round plate with a shiny layer of red sauce and small green leaves scattered around, all placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

My favorite garnishes for these meatballs include a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or basil for a pop of color and fresh aroma. Sometimes, I add a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a dusting of grated Parmesan on top right before serving—it feels like a restaurant touch at home.

Side Dishes

These meatballs pair beautifully with classic spaghetti tossed in marinara sauce, garlic bread for mopping up every last bit, or a crisp green salad for a lighter meal. I also love serving them with creamy mashed potatoes or roasted veggies for cozy dinners.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to stack these meatballs in mini skewers alongside cherry tomatoes and fresh mozzarella balls to turn them into elegant appetizers. Another fun idea is serving them over a vibrant bed of couscous or quinoa with a drizzle of lemony yogurt sauce—that always impresses guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I find placing a paper towel underneath helps absorb any extra moisture, keeping the meatballs firm rather than soggy.

Freezing

These meatballs freeze really well! I freeze them individually on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer bag. This way they don’t stick together. They’ll keep their flavor and texture for up to 3 months, perfect for quick meals later on.

Reheating

I usually reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or in a skillet over low heat with a splash of marinara sauce to keep them moist. Microwaving works too, but I recommend adding a damp paper towel over them to avoid drying out.

FAQs

  1. Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh for this recipe?

    While fresh spinach is preferred for texture and vibrant flavor, you can use frozen spinach. Just make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out excess moisture before sautéing to prevent watery meatballs.

  2. What’s the best way to prevent mozzarella from leaking during cooking?

    Using chilled mozzarella cubes and wrapping them tightly with the meat mixture is key. This seals the cheese inside and reduces leakage. Avoid overfilling or thinly covering the cheese to prevent leaks.

  3. Can I make these meatballs gluten-free?

    Absolutely! Replace the breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or ground oats. Both work well to bind the meatballs without compromising texture.

  4. Should I bake or pan-sear the meatballs?

    Both methods work wonderfully. Baking is more hands-off and produces tender meatballs, while pan-searing adds a crispy crust if you prefer a bit of texture contrast. Feel free to choose based on your preference or time.

  5. Can I add other veggies to the meatballs?

    Yes! Finely chopped mushrooms, bell peppers, or even grated carrots mix well into the meat and can boost nutrition and flavor without changing the classic taste too much.

Final Thoughts

This Spinach Garlic Meatballs Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it combines familiar comfort with a little creative twist—melty cheese, vibrant greens, and herby goodness wrapped in juicy meat. It’s the kind of dish that feels cozy yet fresh, perfect for busy weeknights or casual entertaining. I really hope you’ll try making them and enjoy the process as much as you enjoy the results. And remember, nothing beats homemade meatballs made with a little love—and a little mozzarella surprise.

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Spinach Garlic Meatballs Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 6 reviews
  • Author: Caroline
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 12 meatballs
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Low Fat
Print Recipe

Description

Delicious and juicy spinach garlic meatballs stuffed with gooey mozzarella cheese, perfect as a hearty appetizer or main course. This recipe combines fresh spinach, savory garlic, and Italian seasonings for a flavorful twist on classic meatballs, with optional red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.

Ingredients

For the Meatballs

  • 1 lb ground beef or turkey (lean turkey can be substituted)
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, sautéed to enhance flavor
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped (optional)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (oats or almond flour can be used)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 8 oz low-moisture mozzarella cubes, chilled
  • 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste

Optional Enhancements

  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes for heat
  • 1 tbsp chopped parsley for freshness

Instructions

  1. Sauté Spinach and Garlic: Heat a skillet over medium heat and sauté the fresh spinach with minced garlic until the spinach is wilted, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool, then finely chop the mixture.
  2. Mix Meatball Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, egg, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and the cooled chopped spinach mixture. Stir gently until evenly mixed but avoid overmixing to keep meatballs tender.
  3. Form Meatballs: Take a portion of the meat mixture and encase a chilled mozzarella cube inside, shaping it into a ball and sealing the cheese completely within the meat to prevent leakage during cooking.
  4. Cook the Meatballs: Choose your cooking method: bake the meatballs at 400°F (200°C) for 25 minutes, or pan-sear them in oil over medium-high heat for 8 minutes per side until browned and cooked through.
  5. Optional Simmer: For extra flavor, simmer the cooked meatballs in warm marinara sauce for 10 minutes before serving.
  6. Rest the Meatballs: Let the meatballs rest for 5 minutes after cooking to retain their juiciness and allow flavors to settle.

Notes

  • Use chilled mozzarella cubes to prevent cheese from leaking out during cooking.
  • Avoid overmixing the meat mixture for tender and juicy meatballs.
  • Substitute breadcrumbs with oats or almond flour for gluten-free variations.
  • Simmering the meatballs in marinara sauce adds depth of flavor and moisture.
  • Adjust seasoning including salt and pepper according to taste preferences.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 meatball
  • Calories: 150 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 350 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 6 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 12 g
  • Cholesterol: 60 mg

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