If you’re looking for a dish that’s both comforting and packed with flavor, look no further than Spinach & Meatballs! This dish is the perfect combination of savory meatballs, fresh spinach, and a rich sauce that ties it all together. It’s a simple yet satisfying meal that’s great for busy nights when you want something nutritious and filling.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This Spinach & Meatballs recipe is a healthy take on classic comfort food. The meatballs are juicy and flavorful, thanks to the perfect blend of herbs and spices, while the spinach adds a dose of nutrients and a lovely color. The dish is versatile enough to be served with pasta, rice, or even enjoyed on its own. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some greens if you have picky eaters at home!
Ingredients
(Full list of ingredients is available at the end of this post)
- Ground beef (or turkey)
- Fresh spinach
- Bread crumbs
- Parmesan cheese
- Garlic
- Onion
- Egg
- Italian seasoning
- Olive oil
- Tomato sauce
- Salt and pepper
Directions
1. Prepare the Meatballs
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic, onion, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined. Then, gently fold in the fresh spinach, making sure to chop it up a little before adding it to the mix. Once the spinach is incorporated, roll the mixture into small meatballs—about 1 inch in diameter.
2. Brown the Meatballs
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, carefully add the meatballs in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Brown the meatballs on all sides, about 5-6 minutes. You don’t need to cook them through just yet, as they will finish cooking in the sauce. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside.
3. Make the Sauce
In the same skillet, pour in your tomato sauce and bring it to a simmer. You can use store-bought sauce or make your own if you prefer. Once it’s simmering, carefully place the browned meatballs back into the pan with the sauce. Cover and let it simmer on low for about 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the flavors meld together.
4. Serve and Enjoy
Once the meatballs are fully cooked, serve them with your choice of side. I love serving them with pasta or over a bed of rice for a comforting, complete meal. The spinach and tomato sauce complement the meatballs so well, creating a balanced, flavorful dish.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Don’t Overmix the Meatball Mixture: When forming the meatballs, try not to overwork the meat. Overmixing can result in tough meatballs. Just mix until everything is evenly combined, and then shape them gently.
- Add More Greens: If you want to pack in even more greens, you can add extra spinach or even kale to the meatball mixture. A handful of chopped fresh herbs like basil or parsley also work wonders.
- Moisture is Key: To keep the meatballs tender, don’t skip the breadcrumbs. They help lock in moisture, so your meatballs stay juicy and soft.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Ground Meat Swap: If you prefer, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or pork in place of beef. These meats will still create tender meatballs and pair perfectly with the spinach.
- Dairy-Free Option: To make this dish dairy-free, you can omit the Parmesan cheese in the meatballs and use a non-dairy alternative or skip the cheese entirely.
- Spicy Kick: If you like a little heat, feel free to add red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture or the sauce for an extra punch of flavor.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Spinach & Meatballs are delicious on their own, but there are many great ways to enjoy them. Serve them with your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti, penne, or rigatoni, for a classic combination. Alternatively, pair them with roasted potatoes or a fresh, tangy salad to balance out the richness of the meatballs. You can also make a cozy bowl of this dish with some crusty bread to dip into the sauce!
Storage and Reheating Tips
Leftovers are fantastic with this recipe! Store the meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat in a pan over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. If the sauce gets too thick, you can add a splash of water to loosen it up.
4 FAQs
1. Can I freeze the meatballs?
Yes! These meatballs freeze beautifully. After browning them, let them cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll last for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to cook, simply simmer them in the sauce from frozen or thaw them overnight in the fridge.
2. Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Absolutely! If you’re using frozen spinach, make sure to thaw it completely and drain any excess moisture before adding it to the meatball mixture. This will prevent your meatballs from becoming soggy.
3. How do I know when the meatballs are done cooking?
To check for doneness, you can cut a meatball in half to ensure it’s fully cooked. Alternatively, use a meat thermometer—your meatballs are done when they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
4. What can I serve this with if I’m looking for a low-carb option?
If you’re following a low-carb diet, you can serve these meatballs with spiralized zucchini (zoodles), cauliflower rice, or a side of roasted vegetables instead of pasta or rice. They’re just as tasty and filling!
Conclusion
This Spinach & Meatballs recipe is one of those meals that brings everyone to the table with a smile. It’s delicious, nutritious, and surprisingly simple to make. The meatballs are packed with flavor, and the spinach adds a great touch of color and vitamins. Whether you serve them with pasta, rice, or just enjoy them on their own, this dish will quickly become a family favorite.
Print
Spinach & Meatballs: A Healthy, Hearty Meal That’s Sure to Satisfy
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop, Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
A delicious and healthy meal featuring juicy meatballs, fresh spinach, and a rich tomato sauce. Perfect for a comforting and nutritious dinner that can be paired with pasta, rice, or enjoyed on its own.
Ingredients
- Ground beef (or turkey) – 1 lb (450 g)
- Fresh spinach – 2 cups, chopped
- Bread crumbs – 1/2 cup (60 g)
- Parmesan cheese – 1/4 cup, grated
- Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
- Onion – 1 medium, chopped
- Egg – 1 large
- Italian seasoning – 1 teaspoon
- Olive oil – 1 tablespoon
- Tomato sauce – 2 cups (480 ml)
- Salt – 1/2 teaspoon
- Pepper – 1/4 teaspoon
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatballs: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic, onion, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well. Add the spinach and gently fold it into the mixture. Shape into 1-inch meatballs.
- Brown the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Brown meatballs in batches for 5-6 minutes on all sides. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, pour in the tomato sauce and bring to a simmer. Return meatballs to the pan, cover, and let simmer on low for 15-20 minutes or until cooked through.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve with pasta, rice, or as is with a side of vegetables. Enjoy!
Notes
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the meatball mixture can make them tough, so mix just until everything is combined.
- Add Extra Greens: Add more spinach or kale to the meatballs for extra nutrients. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley will also boost flavor.
- Moisture: Breadcrumbs are important for keeping the meatballs moist, so don’t skip them!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 meatball with sauce
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 65mg