These Spinach Garlic Meatballs are a twist on the classic, and trust me, they’re about to become your new go-to dinner. Packed with juicy, tender meat and a punch of savory garlic and spinach, these meatballs are so flavorful and satisfying, you’ll be hooked after just one bite. The best part? They’re incredibly easy to make, so you can enjoy a delicious homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Perfect for busy nights, meal prep, or even a fun dinner party, these meatballs are sure to impress.
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Why You’ll Love Spinach Garlic Meatballs
Here’s why you’re going to love these meatballs:
- Flavor-Packed: The combination of garlic and spinach creates a depth of flavor that takes your traditional meatballs to the next level. The savory garlic complements the rich, juicy meat, while the spinach adds a subtle earthiness.
- Healthy & Hearty: You’re getting a good dose of greens with every bite, thanks to the spinach. These meatballs are a great way to sneak in some veggies without compromising on taste. They’re filling but still light enough for a guilt-free dinner.
- Quick & Easy: No need for complicated ingredients or long prep times. These meatballs come together in a snap, and the hands-on work is minimal. They cook quickly, so you’ll have dinner on the table in no time.
- Versatile: Serve these meatballs with pasta, on a sandwich, with rice, or just on their own. They’re the perfect addition to so many meals and can be easily adapted to fit your cravings.
- Family-Friendly: Kids will love these meatballs, and they’re a great way to get some greens into picky eaters. It’s a dish that’s guaranteed to please everyone around the table.
Ingredients
These meatballs come together with just a handful of ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen:
- Ground Beef (or Turkey): This is the base of the meatballs. Ground beef gives them a rich flavor, but if you want a leaner option, turkey works great, too.
- Spinach: Fresh spinach is the perfect addition. It wilts beautifully and blends seamlessly into the meatballs, adding nutrients and flavor without being overpowering.
- Garlic: A few cloves of garlic bring that irresistible savory kick that’s essential in these meatballs.
- Breadcrumbs: Breadcrumbs help hold the meatballs together and give them a light, tender texture.
- Egg: The egg acts as a binder to keep the meatballs from falling apart as they cook.
- Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle of grated parmesan adds richness and a bit of saltiness that complements the meat perfectly.
- Salt & Pepper: Simple seasoning to enhance the natural flavors of the meat and garlic.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s get cooking!
- Prep the Spinach: Start by finely chopping the spinach. You can use fresh or frozen spinach—just make sure to squeeze out any excess moisture if using frozen. Set it aside.
- Combine the Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the ground beef (or turkey), garlic, spinach, breadcrumbs, egg, parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to combine everything until just mixed—be careful not to overwork the meat to keep the meatballs tender.
- Shape the Meatballs: Once everything is mixed, form the mixture into meatballs about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. You should get about 20-25 meatballs, depending on the size you make them.
- Cook the Meatballs: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a bit of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the meatballs to the pan, cooking in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until the meatballs are browned and cooked through.
- Finish and Serve: Once cooked, remove the meatballs from the pan and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve them hot, and enjoy with your favorite sides!
How to Serve Spinach Garlic Meatballs
These meatballs are so versatile—here’s how you can serve them:
- With Pasta: Serve these meatballs over spaghetti, penne, or your favorite pasta. Top with marinara sauce and a sprinkle of parmesan for a classic meal.
- On a Sandwich: Make a meatball sub by placing them in a toasted roll with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella for the ultimate comfort food.
- With Rice: Pair with a side of fluffy rice for a simple, hearty meal. You can also serve them with mashed potatoes or roasted veggies.
- As an Appetizer: These meatballs are perfect for a party! Serve them with a side of dipping sauce like marinara or a creamy garlic sauce for an easy appetizer.
Additional Tips
Here are a few extra tips to make your meatballs even better:
- Use Fresh Herbs: If you have fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or parsley, toss them into the meatball mixture for an extra burst of flavor.
- Make Them Spicy: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the mixture for a spicy kick.
- Make a Double Batch: These meatballs freeze beautifully, so why not double the recipe and have a stash ready for busy nights?
- Bake Them: If you prefer to bake instead of sautéing, you can place the meatballs on a lined baking sheet and bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.
FAQ Section
- Q1: Can I use ground chicken instead of beef or turkey?
- A1: Yes! Ground chicken works just as well. It will give the meatballs a lighter flavor but still be juicy and delicious.
- Q2: Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?
- A2: Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs ahead of time and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking.
- Q3: How do I store leftovers?
- A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.
- Q4: Can I bake these meatballs instead of frying them?
- A4: Yes! Just place them on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F for about 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Q5: How do I make these meatballs gluten-free?
- A5: Simply swap the breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or use ground oats for a gluten-free option.
- Q6: Can I add cheese inside the meatballs?
- A6: Yes, you can stuff these meatballs with a small cube of mozzarella or your favorite cheese for a cheesy surprise inside.
- Q7: How do I know when the meatballs are cooked through?
- A7: You can use a meat thermometer to check. The internal temperature should reach 160°F for beef or turkey.
- Q8: Can I use frozen spinach?
- A8: Yes, just make sure to thaw and drain the spinach well to remove any excess moisture.
- Q9: Can I make these meatballs without egg?
- A9: Yes! You can substitute the egg with a flax egg or use a bit of milk and breadcrumbs to help bind the ingredients together.
- Q10: Can I make these meatballs in advance and freeze them?
- A10: Yes, these meatballs freeze wonderfully. Just freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a bag or container once frozen solid. Reheat by baking or simmering in sauce.
Conclusion
These Spinach Garlic Meatballs are the perfect balance of savory, tender, and flavorful. Whether you’re serving them for dinner or as an appetizer, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser. With their healthy twist, easy preparation, and versatility, these meatballs are destined to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Enjoy every bite!
Print
Spinach Garlic Meatballs
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Pan-frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
These Spinach Garlic Meatballs are a delicious and healthy twist on the classic meatball. Packed with fresh spinach, garlic, and lean meat, they’re a great way to add more veggies to your diet while enjoying a flavorful, satisfying meal. Perfect for easy dinner recipes or meal prep, these meatballs are a healthy dinner option that can be served with pasta, on sandwiches, or as a standalone dish.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey or chicken (or lean beef)
- 2 cups fresh spinach (chopped)
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (whole wheat or regular)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for frying)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, chopped spinach, garlic, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
- Mix everything together until well combined. You can use your hands for the best results.
- Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1.5 inches in diameter.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Once the oil is hot, add the meatballs to the skillet and cook for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown on all sides and cooked through.
- Remove from the skillet and serve hot with your favorite sauce or side.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour.
- These meatballs can also be baked in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes instead of frying.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 meatball
- Calories: 140 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 60mg