Description
These Spinach Garlic Meatballs are a delightful blend of fresh spinach and aromatic garlic, creating a juicy and flavorful dish. Perfect for pasta, sandwiches, or as an appetizer, they will quickly become a family favorite!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef (85/15 or 80/20)
- 2 cups fresh spinach, thoroughly washed and finely chopped
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, finely minced or grated
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (Panko or regular dry)
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup finely minced yellow or white onion
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup milk or non-alcoholic beef broth
Instructions
- Prepare Your Spinach: If you're using fresh spinach, give it a good wash and then chop it very finely. For frozen spinach, thaw it completely and then squeeze out as much water as humanly possible.
- Mince Aromatics: Finely mince your fresh garlic and onion until they are almost pulverized.
- Combine Dry Binders: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- Add Wet Binders & Aromatics: To the same bowl, add the lightly beaten egg, the finely minced garlic, and the finely minced onion. Mix them well with the dry ingredients.
- Introduce the Stars: Now, add your prepared chopped spinach and the ground beef to the bowl.
- Mix Gently: Using your hands, gently combine all the ingredients until everything is incorporated. Avoid overmixing.
- Test for Seasoning: Pinch off a tiny amount of the meat mixture, flatten it into a small patty, and pan-fry it until cooked through. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Form the Meatballs: Using a small cookie scoop or your hands, form the mixture into uniform meatballs, about 1.5 to 2 inches in diameter.
- Cook Your Meatballs: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and arrange the meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes until cooked through and browned.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once cooked, serve the Spinach Garlic Meatballs in marinara sauce, over pasta, in a sub, or as an appetizer.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 meatball
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: Do not overmix the meatball mixture to avoid tough meatballs. Ensure your spinach is well-drained, and consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.