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Easy Spinach Garlic Meatballs

Easy Spinach Garlic Meatballs

Easy Spinach Garlic Meatballs are a quick and nutritious dinner option, combining fresh spinach, fragrant garlic, and savory Parmesan cheese with ground meat. Perfect for busy weeknights, these tender meatballs offer a delightful blend of flavors and can be enjoyed with a variety of sides or sauces, making them a versatile and family-friendly meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground meat (beef or turkey)
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 cup bread crumbs
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil (for sautéing)
  • Additional olive oil for pan-frying (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Spinach and Garlic: Heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the fresh spinach and cook just until wilted, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat, let it cool slightly, then squeeze out any excess moisture to prevent soggy meatballs.
  2. Mix the Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, sautéed spinach and garlic, bread crumbs, grated Parmesan, beaten egg, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands or a spoon until just incorporated, avoiding overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.
  3. Shape the Meatballs: Form the mixture into small, evenly sized balls about the size of a golf ball. This ensures even cooking and a pleasing presentation.
  4. Cook the Meatballs: Choose your cooking method: pan-fry in olive oil over medium heat for 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown and cooked through; or bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes for a hands-off approach.
  5. Serve and Enjoy: Transfer the cooked meatballs to a serving dish. Serve with your preferred sauce, pasta, rice, or vegetables for a wholesome and satisfying meal.

Notes

  • Drain spinach well to prevent soggy meatballs.
  • Do not overmix the ingredients to keep meatballs tender and juicy.
  • Make meatballs uniform in size for even cooking.
  • Cook a small test meatball first to adjust seasoning if needed.
  • Use fresh garlic for the best flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: spinach meatballs, garlic meatballs, healthy meatballs, quick dinner, gluten free meatballs, ground beef recipes, turkey meatballs, family friendly