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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Prepare a spacious mixing bowl for crafting savory meatballs by ensuring all ingredients are at room temperature for optimal blending.
- 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.
- Gently form uniform spherical meatballs approximately one inch in diameter, ensuring consistent size for even cooking.
- Arrange meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet, maintaining slight separation to promote proper heat circulation.
- Roast in a preheated oven at 375°F, allowing approximately 18-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches a safe 165°F, indicating complete cooking.
- Simultaneously, ignite a large skillet with olive oil, introducing marinara sauce, additional spinach leaves, fragrant dried basil, and complementary seasonings.
- Carefully transfer golden-brown meatballs into simmering sauce, delicately coating each morsel to infuse comprehensive flavor profiles.
- Allow gentle simmering for an additional 5-10 minutes, enabling harmonious melding of sauce and protein.
- 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