Looking for a dish that’s both comforting and packed with flavor? This Spinach & Meatballs recipe is exactly what you need. Tender, juicy meatballs paired with a hearty spinach and tomato sauce create a meal that’s simple, satisfying, and totally delicious. Perfect for a family dinner or a weeknight treat, this dish is all about savory goodness with a touch of green to keep things fresh and balanced.
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Why You’ll Love Spinach & Meatballs
Spinach & Meatballs might just become your new go-to dish. Here’s why:
Hearty & Filling: The meatballs are juicy and packed with flavor, while the spinach adds a healthy, nutrient-packed twist to the classic. This is comfort food that won’t leave you feeling heavy.
Flavor-Packed: With a rich, garlicky tomato sauce and the added kick of spinach, the flavors in this dish are next-level. The meatballs are seasoned perfectly, making each bite an explosion of savory goodness.
Easy to Make: With just a few basic ingredients and simple steps, this dish comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy nights when you want a satisfying, home-cooked meal.
Healthy Twist: Spinach not only adds nutrition but also brightens up the dish with its fresh flavor and beautiful color. It’s the perfect balance to the rich, savory meatballs.
Great for Meal Prep: This dish stores well, making it ideal for leftovers or meal prep. It’s just as good the next day, so make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week!
Ingredients
This dish uses simple, wholesome ingredients, but it’s packed with flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Ground Beef or Turkey: For the meatballs. Beef provides a richer flavor, but turkey is a leaner option.
- Breadcrumbs: These help bind the meatballs and give them that perfect, juicy texture.
- Eggs: To hold everything together and make the meatballs tender.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic for that savory punch.
- Italian Seasoning: A perfect mix of herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme to flavor the meatballs.
- Spinach: Fresh spinach, wilted into the sauce for added nutrition and flavor.
- Canned Tomatoes: A base for the tomato sauce, which will simmer and meld beautifully with the spinach and garlic.
- Onion: Adds a touch of sweetness to the sauce.
- Olive Oil: For sautéing the garlic and onions and cooking the meatballs.
- Parmesan Cheese: To add richness to both the meatballs and the sauce.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s get cooking! Here’s how to make these delicious meatballs:
1. Make the Meatballs:
In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef or turkey, breadcrumbs, eggs, garlic, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Roll the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
2. Brown the Meatballs:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides, about 5-6 minutes. You don’t need to cook them all the way through yet; just get them nice and browned. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Sauce:
In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed and sauté the chopped onion and garlic until softened and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Add the canned tomatoes and stir. Bring to a simmer and let it cook for 10-15 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
4. Add the Spinach:
Stir in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and more Italian seasoning if desired.
5. Add the Meatballs to the Sauce:
Carefully place the browned meatballs into the simmering sauce. Cover and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are fully cooked through and tender.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the meatballs and spinach over pasta, rice, or enjoy on their own for a lighter meal. Garnish with fresh Parmesan if desired.
How to Serve Spinach & Meatballs
Spinach & Meatballs is a versatile dish, and it pairs beautifully with a variety of sides:
- Pasta: Serve over your favorite pasta for a classic, hearty meal. Spaghetti, penne, or even zoodles (zucchini noodles) work wonderfully.
- Rice: A bed of rice is a perfect base for soaking up the savory sauce.
- Bread: Serve with crusty garlic bread for a satisfying, filling meal.
- Salad: A fresh side salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the meatballs.
Additional Tips
Here are some helpful tips to ensure your Spinach & Meatballs turns out perfectly every time:
- Use Lean Ground Turkey: For a leaner option, you can substitute turkey for beef. It will still be delicious, especially if you add extra seasoning.
- Make Meatballs Smaller or Larger: You can make the meatballs as small or as large as you prefer. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Freeze for Later: This dish freezes well! Store leftovers in an airtight container and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Reheat on the stovetop for best results.
- Add Extra Veggies: Feel free to toss in other veggies, like bell peppers or zucchini, to boost the nutrition and flavor of the sauce.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use frozen spinach?
A1: Yes, frozen spinach works fine! Just thaw and squeeze out the excess water before adding it to the sauce.
Q2: Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! You can make and cook the meatballs ahead of time, then store them in the fridge or freezer. Reheat them in the sauce when you’re ready to serve.
Q3: What if I don’t have Italian seasoning?
A3: No problem! You can use a combination of dried basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary for a similar flavor.
Q4: Can I use a different kind of meat for the meatballs?
A4: Yes, you can use chicken, pork, or even a meatless option like lentils or plant-based meatballs for a vegetarian version.
Q5: How do I know when the meatballs are done?
A5: The meatballs are done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. You can use a meat thermometer to check, or simply cut one open to make sure it’s fully cooked inside.
Q6: Can I make this dish spicy?
A6: Absolutely! Add red pepper flakes to the sauce or mix some into the meatball mixture for a bit of heat.
Q7: How do I store leftovers?
A7: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Q8: Can I freeze this dish?
A8: Yes, both the meatballs and sauce freeze well. Store in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months.
Q9: How do I make the meatballs extra tender?
A9: Adding a little milk or grated cheese to the meatball mixture helps keep them tender and juicy.
Q10: Can I add cheese to the meatballs?
A10: Yes, grated Parmesan cheese or mozzarella makes the meatballs even more flavorful and adds a creamy texture.
Conclusion
Spinach & Meatballs is a perfect meal for anyone looking to enjoy a hearty, flavorful dish that’s easy to make and full of nutrition. With juicy meatballs, a flavorful tomato sauce, and fresh spinach, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether served over pasta, rice, or on its own, it’s a comforting, satisfying meal that everyone will love. Enjoy!
Print
Spinach & Meatballs
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Oven
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Spinach & Meatballs is a hearty and healthy dish that combines flavorful, tender meatballs with nutritious spinach in a savory tomato sauce. Perfect for an easy and satisfying dinner, this dish is great for those looking to add some greens to their meal without sacrificing taste. It’s a wonderful option for quick dinner ideas and healthy homemade recipes that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
For the meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter version)
- 1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (or almond flour for a gluten-free option)
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the sauce:
- 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped spinach, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C).
- While the meatballs bake, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the marinara sauce, chopped spinach, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and simmer for 5-7 minutes.
- Once the meatballs are done, transfer them to the skillet with the sauce and gently toss to coat. Simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Serve hot with pasta, rice, or a side of roasted vegetables.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a bit of heat.
- Serve over spaghetti squash or zucchini noodles for a low-carb alternative to pasta.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer it longer to reduce and concentrate the flavors.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg