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.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
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)
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- Serving Size: 4 meatballs
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: spinach meatballs, garlic meatballs, healthy meatballs, quick dinner, gluten free meatballs, ground beef recipes, turkey meatballs, family friendly