Description
Hearty Spinach & Meatballs bring comfort and flavor to classic Italian cuisine, blending tender meat with nutritious greens. Savory herbs and rich tomato sauce complement this rustic dish, inviting diners to enjoy a satisfying meal that delights the senses.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef (or turkey)
Binding and Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (or almond flour for low-carb)
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 small onion, grated
Green and Seasoning Components:
- 1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped (or 1/2 cup frozen, thawed and squeezed dry)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for pan-frying, optional)
Instructions
- Create a robust blend by gently folding ground meat with finely chopped spinach, ensuring even distribution of breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, grated onion, parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Delicately form uniform spherical portions approximately 1 to 1.5 inches wide, arranging them methodically on a prepared baking surface.
- For oven preparation, heat culinary space to 375°F (190°C), positioning meatballs to achieve golden-brown exterior and complete internal cooking within 20-25 minutes.
- Alternatively, utilize stovetop technique by warming olive oil in a skillet over moderate temperature, rotating protein clusters periodically to develop rich caramelized surfaces.
- Ensure thorough cooking by verifying internal temperature reaches safe consumption level, rotating meatballs to guarantee consistent heat penetration.
- Present these savory spheres atop marinara-glazed pasta, nestled alongside fragrant rice, or individually as protein-rich appetizers.
- Garnish with fresh herbs or additional parmesan cheese to elevate visual appeal and introduce complementary flavor dimensions.
Notes
- Moisture Magic: Mix ingredients gently to keep meatballs tender and prevent tough, dense texture by avoiding overmixing.
- Lean Protein Swap: Replace ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter, lower-fat version without sacrificing flavor.
- Gluten-Free Hack: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour to make the recipe celiac-friendly and maintain perfect binding.
- Size Matters: Use a small ice cream scoop or cookie scoop for consistently sized meatballs that cook evenly and look professionally prepared.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking, Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg