These Spinach Garlic Meatballs are juicy, flavorful, and filled with a melty mozzarella surprise in the center. They feel a little fancy but are surprisingly easy to make perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or serving as a cozy appetizer everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 4 oz mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Optional swap: Use ground chicken for a lighter meatball with great flavor.
Steps
- Preheat the oven. Heat to 400°F and lightly grease a baking sheet.
- Mix the meatball base. In a large bowl, combine ground meat, spinach, garlic, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix gently don’t overwork it.
- Stuff with mozzarella. Scoop a small handful of mixture, press a mozzarella cube into the center, then roll into a ball, sealing the cheese inside.
- Arrange on the pan. Place meatballs evenly spaced on the baking sheet and lightly brush or spray with olive oil.
- Bake for 18–22 minutes, until cooked through and lightly golden.
- Rest briefly. Let the meatballs sit for 5 minutes so the cheese sets just enough before serving.
Chef’s Tips
- Chop spinach very finely: It blends seamlessly into the meatballs and keeps them juicy.
- Seal the cheese well: Fully covering the mozzarella prevents leaks while baking.
- Extra browning: Broil for 1–2 minutes at the end if you love a golden finish.
Variations
- Italian-style: Serve simmered in marinara sauce for 5 minutes after baking.
- Spicy version: Add red pepper flakes to the meat mixture.
- Low-carb: Swap breadcrumbs for almond flour.