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Spinach Garlic Meatballs Recipe

Irresistible Spinach Garlic Meatballs Recipe That's Family Approved

Discover this Spinach Garlic Meatballs Recipe, featuring juicy meat, gooey mozzarella, and vibrant spinach for a family-approved dinner.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 meatballs
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs
  • 1 pound Ground Beef or Turkey Swap for ground chicken for a leaner option.
  • 2 cups Fresh Spinach Sauté and drain for best texture.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Minced works best.
  • 1 large Egg Can substitute with a flax egg for a vegan option.
  • 1 cup Breadcrumbs Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free option.
  • ½ cup Grated Parmesan Cheese Try using Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste.
  • 8 ounces Low-Moisture Mozzarella Cubes Ensure they're chilled to avoid melting too soon.
  • 2 teaspoons Italian Seasoning Feel free to add fresh herbs.
  • to taste Salt Adjust to your preference.
  • to taste Pepper Essential seasoning to enhance flavor.
  • optional Red Pepper Flakes Add for a spicy kick.
  • optional Chopped Parsley Adds freshness when serving.
For the Marinara Sauce (optional)
  • 1 can Crushed Tomatoes Choose spicy varieties for extra kick.
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil For sautéing garlic and onion.
  • 1 medium Onion Optional, sauté until translucent.
  • to taste Basil Add fresh or dried according to preference.
  • to taste Oregano Add fresh or dried according to preference.

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • baking sheet
  • Mixing bowl

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Sauté the Spinach and Garlic: In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil, then sauté spinach and minced garlic for 3-4 minutes until wilted.
  2. Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a bowl, combine ground meat, beaten egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add cooled spinach-garlic mixture and mix gently.
  3. Form the Meatballs: Scoop 2 tablespoons of meat mixture, flatten in palm, place mozzarella cube in center, wrap meat around cheese, and roll into a ball.
  4. Cook the Meatballs: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) or heat skillet with olive oil. Cook meatballs for 6-8 minutes on each side or bake for 20-25 minutes.
  5. Optional Marinara Simmer: Sauté onion in olive oil, add crushed tomatoes and herbs, then simmer meatballs in the sauce for 5-10 minutes.
  6. Let Meatballs Rest: Allow meatballs to rest for about 5 minutes before serving for juicy flavor.

Nutrition

Serving: 2meatballsCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 25gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 80IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Chill mozzarella cubes before wrapping them in meat to ensure a gooey center. Avoid overmixing the meat to keep meatballs tender. Thoroughly drain sautéed spinach to avoid sogginess.

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