🧄 Spinach Garlic Meatballs with Mozzarella – A Low-Carb, Flavor-Packed Italian Classic

If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food that doesn’t sacrifice health or taste, look no further than these Spinach Garlic Meatballs with Mozzarella. Bursting with flavor from fresh garlic, tender spinach, rich ground meat, and gooey mozzarella centers, these meatballs are the kind of hearty, rustic dish you can serve on a chilly evening, at a family gathering, or even meal-prep for the week ahead.

This recipe blends old-world Italian comfort with low-carb sensibility. It skips the pasta in favor of bold flavor layers, starting with sautéed garlicky spinach, followed by a juicy mix of ground beef and pork, and finally crowned with cubes of melty mozzarella. Paired with warm marinara sauce, this dish feels indulgent while staying surprisingly light.

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🧾 Ingredients Breakdown

The ingredients in this dish are carefully selected to balance taste and texture while keeping the recipe simple and accessible.

For the Spinach:

• 8 ounces fresh baby spinach
• 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1–2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Meatballs:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 pound ground pork
• 2¼ cups low-carb bread crumbs
• 3–4 eggs (depending on size)
• Splash of milk
• 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes

For Serving:

• 1 jar marinara sauce

🧠 Tip: Use part-skim mozzarella for a lighter version, or whole-milk for that rich, gooey center.

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🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions

These meatballs are oven-baked for convenience and finish with a warm blanket of marinara. Every bite is flavorful and cheesy, with a hint of greens to brighten things up.

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🥬 Spinach & Garlic Base

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the baby spinach, tossing until coated and wilted.
3. Stir in the finely chopped garlic, cooking for another minute or two until fragrant.
4. Remove the spinach mixture, chop finely, and allow it to cool.

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🍖 Prepare the Meatballs

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix together:
   • Ground beef
   • Ground pork
   • Bread crumbs
   • Eggs
   • A splash of milk
   • Chopped garlic
   • Parmesan cheese
   • Salt and pepper
   • ½ of the cooled spinach mixture
3. Using your hands or a scoop, form meatballs of your desired size (golf ball-sized works great).
4. Place the meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
5. Top each meatball with a pinch of the remaining spinach mixture, a cube of mozzarella cheese, and a small drizzle of olive oil.

🍽️ Optional: Want even more flavor? Add a small basil leaf or sun-dried tomato sliver on top before baking.

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🔥 Bake

Bake for 20 to 30 minutes, or until:

• The meatballs are firm to the touch
• The cheese has melted
• The tops are golden and slightly crispy

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🍅 Warm the Sauce

While the meatballs bake:

1. Heat the marinara sauce on the stovetop or in the microwave.
2. Once the meatballs are done, spoon a layer of warm sauce onto each plate or into a serving dish.
3. Place 3–5 meatballs on top, allowing the sauce to pool around them.

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🍷 Serving Suggestions

These meatballs are so satisfying on their own, but you can elevate the dish with a few pairings:

• Serve over a bed of zucchini noodles or cauliflower mash for a low-carb meal.
• Pair with garlic bread or roasted spaghetti squash.
• Add a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley before serving.
• Offer extra Parmesan at the table for cheese lovers.

🍷 A glass of red wine like Chianti or a bold Syrah pairs beautifully with these rich, cheesy meatballs.

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⏱️ Quick Recipe Overview

Step	Time
Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	20–30 minutes
Total Time	~45 minutes
Servings	6–8 servings
Skill Level	Intermediate

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💡 Recipe Tips & Variations

• Make-ahead friendly: Form the meatballs ahead of time and refrigerate them until ready to bake.
• Freezer-friendly: Freeze uncooked meatballs on a tray, then transfer to a bag for later use.
• Spice it up: Add crushed red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños to the meat mixture.
• Dairy-free? Use vegan cheese alternatives and dairy-free breadcrumbs.

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💬 Reader Raves

“These meatballs were a hit at my dinner party! The mozzarella center is next level.”
— Erica G.

“Finally, a low-carb recipe that tastes better than the original. I’ll be making these again!”
— Tom H.

“Served them over spaghetti squash—so good and satisfying.”
— Lindsey F.

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🍽 Final Thoughts

These Spinach Garlic Meatballs with Mozzarella are more than just dinner—they’re a full-on comfort food experience with a healthy twist. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, this dish will leave your kitchen smelling amazing and your belly full.

Loaded with Italian-inspired flavors, cheesy centers, and a hint of freshness from the spinach and garlic, these meatballs are the ultimate example of how wholesome food can still feel indulgent.

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