Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed with Mozzarella
Tender meatballs made with garlic, herbs, and finely chopped spinach, stuffed with molten mozzarella inside. Baked (not fried) for a lighter Mediterranean touch, and perfect with tomato sauce, rice, or warm bread.
Prep: 20 minutes
Cook: 25 minutes
Total: ~45 minutes
Ingredients
Meatballs
500 g minced chicken or beef
1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
¼ cup breadcrumbs
1 egg
2 tbsp grated parmesan
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp dried basil
Salt & black pepper to taste
2 tbsp olive oil
Stuffing
Mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes
Optional Serving Sauce
Simple tomato sauce or marinara
Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Mixture
In a bowl, combine minced meat, spinach, garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, parmesan, oregano, basil, salt & pepper
Mix gently (don’t overmix)
2️⃣ Stuff the Meatballs
Take a small portion of mixture
Place a mozzarella cube in the center
Seal and roll into a ball
3️⃣ Bake
Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F)
Place meatballs on greased tray
Brush lightly with olive oil
Bake 22–25 minutes until golden and cooked through
OR Pan-Sear + Bake
Lightly sear in a pan, then finish in oven
4️⃣ Serve
Serve hot so mozzarella stays gooey
Spoon over warm tomato sauce if desired
Garnish with parsley or basil
Tips
Chop spinach very fine so meatballs stay compact
Mozzarella should be low-moisture to avoid leaking
Add lemon zest for a fresh Mediterranean touch
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I freeze these?
Yes — freeze before baking, cook directly from frozen (add 5–7 mins)
Q: Can I make them air-fried?
Yes — air fry at 180°C for 12–14 minutes
Q: What to serve with these?
White rice
Orzo or couscous
Roasted vegetables
Pita bread
Nutritional Information
Calories: 420 kcal
Protein: 32 g
Fat: 26 g
Carbs: 14 g
Fiber: 2 g