Name: Spinach & Meatballs
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef or turkey; 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 egg; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1 cup marinara sauce (optional, for serving)

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If you’re looking for a hearty, nutritious meal that’s full of flavor, this Spinach & Meatballs recipe is exactly what you need. The savory meatballs are perfectly paired with the richness of spinach, making this dish both comforting and wholesome. Whether you’re serving it for dinner or prepping for the week, this dish will quickly become a family favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Spinach & Meatballs is the perfect blend of protein and greens, making it a deliciously balanced meal. The tender, juicy meatballs are made even more flavorful with the addition of fresh spinach, creating a dish that’s both comforting and healthy. This recipe is also super versatile – you can enjoy it on its own, over pasta, or as part of a larger meal. Plus, it’s quick to make and packed with so much goodness!

Ingredients
(Here’s a preview of the key ingredients. Full list below!)

1 lb ground beef or turkey
1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 cup marinara sauce (optional, for serving)

Directions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray to prevent the meatballs from sticking.

Step 2: Make the Meatball Mixture

In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, chopped spinach, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, egg, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together until well combined. The mixture should hold together well but still be moist.

Step 3: Form the Meatballs

Once the mixture is ready, use your hands to roll it into 1-inch meatballs. Place each meatball onto the prepared baking sheet, making sure there’s a little space between each one.

Step 4: Bake the Meatballs

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the meatballs for 20-25 minutes, or until they’re cooked through and golden brown on the outside. You can check for doneness by cutting one open to make sure it’s no longer pink in the center.

Step 5: Serve

Once the meatballs are done, you can serve them as is, or for extra flavor, simmer them in marinara sauce for a few minutes before serving. If you prefer, serve them over spaghetti or alongside a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Expert Tips and Tricks

Use lean meat: For a lighter version, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. It’ll still be delicious and slightly healthier!
Chop the spinach finely: If you don’t want big chunks of spinach in your meatballs, chop it up really small so it blends well with the meat mixture.
Add some heat: If you like a bit of spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture for a kick.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Vegetarian version: You can substitute the ground meat with lentils or crumbled tofu for a vegetarian version of these meatballs.
Different greens: If you’re not a fan of spinach, feel free to swap it with kale or Swiss chard for a different flavor.
Cheese variations: Instead of Parmesan, try using mozzarella for a gooey, cheesy interior, or add some ricotta cheese for extra creaminess.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

These meatballs are incredibly versatile and can be served in many ways. For a classic meal, serve them over a bed of spaghetti or alongside garlic bread. You could also add them to a sub roll with marinara sauce and melted cheese for a delicious meatball sandwich. For a lighter option, serve the meatballs with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to store them for longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply microwave the meatballs for 1-2 minutes or heat them in a saucepan on the stove with a bit of marinara sauce until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the meatballs up to a day in advance. Just form them and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. You can also freeze them before baking and cook them later.
Can I make these meatballs without breadcrumbs?
Yes, you can substitute breadcrumbs with crushed crackers or oats if you prefer. Both will help bind the meatballs together.
How do I know when the meatballs are done?
The meatballs should be golden brown on the outside and cooked through on the inside. You can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature (it should reach 160°F or 71°C for beef, or 165°F or 74°C for turkey).
Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, frozen spinach works just as well as fresh. Just make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out any excess moisture before adding it to the meatball mixture.

Conclusion

Spinach & Meatballs is a wonderfully hearty and healthy dish that’s full of flavor. It’s easy to make, and with a few simple ingredients, you can have a delicious meal ready in no time. Whether you’re serving it over pasta, in a sandwich, or on its own, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table. Give it a try and enjoy!

Spinach & Meatballs

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A hearty, flavorful dish of tender meatballs mixed with fresh spinach, offering a perfect balance of protein and greens. Whether served over pasta or enjoyed on its own, this recipe is a quick and healthy meal that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Author: Touria Elkoudssi
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings + 2 extra servings (6 servings total) 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease it with cooking spray.

Step 2: Make the Meatball Mixture

In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, chopped spinach, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, egg, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.

Step 3: Form the Meatballs

Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring there is space between each.

Step 4: Bake the Meatballs

Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Check for doneness by cutting one open to ensure it’s no longer pink.

Step 5: Serve

Serve the meatballs as is, or simmer them in marinara sauce for extra flavor. Enjoy over pasta, in a sandwich, or alongside a salad.

Notes

Use lean meat: For a lighter version, ground turkey or chicken can replace beef.
Chop the spinach finely: If you don’t want large spinach pieces, chop it small so it blends well.
Add heat: For a spicy kick, consider adding red pepper flakes.