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

Units Scale

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

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

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