Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed with Mozzarella 🧀🥬
(Cheesy, juicy, and super satisfying)
⏱️ Time
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 25 minutes
Serves: 4
🧺 Ingredients
Meatballs
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1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or beef + chicken mix)
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1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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½ cup breadcrumbs
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1 large egg
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1 tsp Italian seasoning
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½ tsp paprika
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Salt & black pepper, to taste
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1–2 tbsp milk (for juiciness)
Stuffing
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Mozzarella cheese cubes (about 1–1½ cups)
For cooking
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2 tbsp olive oil
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Optional: ½ cup marinara or pan juices for serving
👩🍳 Instructions
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Make the mixture
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, spinach, garlic, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, egg, seasoning, salt, pepper, and milk. Mix gently (don’t overmix). -
Stuff the meatballs
Take a small handful of mixture, flatten it, place a mozzarella cube in the center, and seal into a ball. Repeat until done. -
Pan-sear
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs and cook, turning gently, until browned on all sides (8–10 minutes). -
Finish cooking
Lower heat, cover, and cook another 10–12 minutes until fully cooked and cheese is melted inside.Optional: Add marinara sauce, cover, and simmer 5 minutes.
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Serve
Let rest 2–3 minutes, then serve hot with extra sauce or pan juices.
🌿 Tips & Variations
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Extra cheesy: Use low-moisture mozzarella for better melt
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Air fryer: 180°C / 360°F for 12–15 minutes, flip once
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Healthier: Use ground chicken or turkey
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Mediterranean twist: Add chopped olives or feta (with mozzarella)
❓Quick Q&A
Q: Can I bake these?
Yes! Bake at 190°C / 375°F for 20–25 minutes.
Q: Can I freeze them?
Yes—freeze uncooked or cooked meatballs up to 2 months.
Q: How do I keep them juicy?
Don’t overmix, and always add a little milk or moisture.