Hearty Spinach & Meatballs Recipe for Cozy Family Dinners

My kitchen adventure with spinach & meatballs started unexpectedly during a lazy Sunday afternoon.

Memories of my grandmother’s cooking sparked curiosity about this classic comfort dish.

Savory aromas quickly filled the small apartment, promising something delicious.

Tender meat combined with fresh green leaves creates a magical blend of nutrition and flavor.

Mediterranean influences shine through in this simple yet elegant recipe.

Each bite tells a story of home-cooked warmth and traditional cooking techniques.

Dig into this delightful meal that connects generations through its irresistible taste.

Spinach and Meatballs Combined Dish

• Ground Beef: Provides hearty protein and main structure for meatballs, choose lean beef for better texture.
• Egg: Binds ingredients together, helps meatballs hold their shape.
• Breadcrumbs: Adds lightness and helps absorb moisture in meatball mixture.

• Parmesan Cheese: Offers rich, salty flavor and helps enhance overall taste.
• Garlic Powder: Provides aromatic depth and classic savory profile.
• Oregano: Brings Mediterranean herb essence and complementary earthy notes.
• Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings for balanced and enhanced taste.

• Spinach, Chopped Spinach: Adds nutritional value, moisture, and green color to meatballs and sauce.
• Marinara Sauce: Creates rich tomato base, provides moisture and traditional Italian flavor.
• Olive Oil: Helps prevent sticking and adds smooth cooking base.
• Dried Basil: Contributes classic Italian herb flavor to sauce.

How to Cook Spinach & Meatballs

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375°F so it’s ready for our delicious meatball adventure.

Step 2: Mix Meatball Magic

• Ground beef
• Chopped spinach
• Breadcrumbs
• Egg
• Parmesan cheese
• Garlic powder
• Oregano
• Salt
• Pepper

Blend everything together until the mixture looks perfectly combined and feels cohesive.

Step 3: Shape Delectable Morsels

Roll the meat mixture into cute little meatballs about 1-inch in size.

Place them carefully on a parchment-lined baking sheet, giving each meatball some personal space.

Step 4: Bake To Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven.

Let the meatballs cook for 18-20 minutes until they reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F.

They should look golden and tempting.

Step 5: Create Vibrant Sauce

• Olive oil
• Marinara sauce
• Chopped spinach
• Dried basil
• Salt
• Pepper

Heat olive oil in a large skillet, then add other ingredients.

Stir and let everything simmer together for 5-7 minutes.

Step 6: Marry Meatballs With Sauce

Transfer the perfectly baked meatballs into the simmering sauce.

Gently toss them around so they get a beautiful sauce coating.

Let them hang out together for another 5-10 minutes.

Step 7: Serve And Enjoy

Plate your meatballs alongside pasta, fluffy rice, or some roasted vegetables.

Dinner is served!

Meatball Pairing Tips With Spinach

• Mix ingredients thoroughly to ensure even distribution of flavors in every meatball bite.
• Add extra chopped spinach into the meatball mixture for more green goodness and increased vegetable content.
• Use a meat thermometer to check internal meatball temperature, guaranteeing safe and perfectly cooked protein.
• Let meatballs rest in the marinara sauce for maximum flavor absorption and tender texture.
• Replace breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs to make the recipe celiac-friendly.

Spinach and Meatballs That Heat Like First Cooked

• Store leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
• Place cooled meatballs in freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Freeze for maximum 3 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
• Warm meatballs at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying. Add a splash of marinara sauce to maintain moisture.
• Heat individual portions on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

Balanced Picks For Spinach Meatballs

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Select a bold Chianti or Sangiovese that complements the rich meat and cuts through the marinara's acidity, enhancing every savory bite.
• Create Garlic Bread Companion: Prepare crusty Italian bread brushed with garlic-infused olive oil and toasted until golden, perfect for soaking up the flavorful sauce and adding delightful crunch.
• Serve with Fresh Arugula Salad: Toss peppery arugula with lemon vinaigrette, shaved Parmesan, and toasted pine nuts to provide a light, zesty contrast to the hearty meatballs.
• Match with Crisp Pilsner Beer: Choose a clean, hoppy pilsner that refreshes the palate and balances the richness of the spinach-infused meatballs, creating a harmonious dining experience.

Spinach and Meatball Combos

• Vegetarian Meatballs: Replace ground beef with plant-based alternatives like lentils, quinoa, or textured vegetable protein for a meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
• Mediterranean-Style Spin: Add crumbled feta cheese, chopped mint, and swap marinara for a light Greek-inspired tomato sauce with oregano and lemon zest.
• Spicy Kick Variation: Incorporate red pepper flakes, cayenne powder, and add diced jalapeños to the meatball mixture for a fiery flavor profile.

FAQs

• Are these meatballs healthy?

Yes, they are packed with nutritious spinach, lean ground beef, and protein-rich Parmesan cheese, offering a balanced and nutritious meal option.

• Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and thoroughly drain the frozen spinach to prevent excess moisture in your meatballs.

• What type of ground beef works best?

Lean ground beef with 85-90% lean meat is ideal for creating tender, flavorful meatballs without being too greasy.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not as written. To make it gluten-free, substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour.

Spinach And Meatballs That Hit Classic Notes

• Boost Nutrition Powerhouse: Packed with iron-rich spinach and protein-packed ground beef, these meatballs deliver a super-charged meal that supports muscle health and energy levels.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: From prep to plate, this recipe takes under 45 minutes, making it perfect for busy families needing delicious meals without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Versatile Comfort Food: Easily adaptable to different serving styles, these meatballs can be enjoyed over pasta, with rice, or alongside roasted vegetables, creating endless meal possibilities.
• Kid-Friendly Crowd Pleaser: The mild seasonings and hidden spinach make these meatballs appealing to children while secretly sneaking in extra vegetables for balanced nutrition.

Spinach & Meatballs Recipe

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4.6 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty spinach & meatballs bring classic Italian comfort to dinner tables with rich, savory flavors. Tender meatballs nestled in silky spinach sauce promise a delightful meal you’ll savor with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 lb (454 g) ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter version)
• 1 large egg

Vegetables:

• 2 cups fresh spinach, finely chopped (divided)

Binding and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (or almond flour for a gluten-free option)
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Sauce Ingredients:

• 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare a spacious mixing bowl for crafting savory meatballs by ensuring all ingredients are at room temperature for optimal blending.
2. Thoroughly combine ground beef with finely chopped spinach, creating a verdant protein mixture enhanced by breadcrumbs, whisked egg, aged Parmesan, aromatic garlic powder, robust oregano, and balanced seasoning.
3. Gently form uniform spherical meatballs approximately one inch in diameter, ensuring consistent size for even cooking.
4. Arrange meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet, maintaining slight separation to promote proper heat circulation.
5. Roast in a preheated oven at 375°F, allowing approximately 18-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches a safe 165°F, indicating complete cooking.
6. Simultaneously, ignite a large skillet with olive oil, introducing marinara sauce, additional spinach leaves, fragrant dried basil, and complementary seasonings.
7. Carefully transfer golden-brown meatballs into simmering sauce, delicately coating each morsel to infuse comprehensive flavor profiles.
8. Allow gentle simmering for an additional 5-10 minutes, enabling harmonious melding of sauce and protein.
9. Present steaming hot alongside preferred accompaniments such as tender pasta, fluffy rice, or caramelized roasted vegetables for a complete culinary experience.

Notes

• Boost protein content by adding an extra egg or mixing in ground turkey with beef for a leaner option.
• Reduce breadcrumbs for gluten-free diets by substituting with almond meal or crushed pork rinds.
• Enhance vegetable intake by finely chopping additional spinach or incorporating grated zucchini into the meatball mixture.
• Balance flavors by letting meatballs rest in sauce for deeper taste absorption and more tender texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg