Spinach Meat Balls
Juicy spinach meatballs bursting with savory flavors, perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests, paired with a rich tomato sauce for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 10 oz. chopped spinach ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped fine ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, chopped fine ⓘ
- 1 1/2 lb. ground beef ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. Parmesan or Romano cheese ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. fine dry bread crumbs ⓘ
- 1 egg, slightly beaten ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. butter ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. flour ⓘ
- 8 oz. can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1 c. water ⓘ
Instructions
- Defrost spinach and drain thoroughly.
- Combine spinach, chopped onion, chopped garlic, ground beef, Parmesan or Romano cheese, dry bread crumbs, beaten egg, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl.
- Mix all ingredients well until fully combined.
- Form the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add the meatballs and cook until browned on all sides, about 10 minutes.
- Remove meatballs and set aside.
- In the same skillet, stir in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Gradually add tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and water, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
- Bring sauce to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes.
- Return meatballs to the skillet and simmer in the sauce for an additional 10 minutes.
- Serve hot with sauce spooned over the meatballs.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. You can substitute the Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option. If you have stale bread, blend it into crumbs for the recipe. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can enhance flavor if added to the meatball mixture.
Serving Suggestions
These spinach meatballs are delicious served over pasta, with a side of garlic bread, or alongside a fresh salad. They pair beautifully with Ann'S Authentic Spaghetti Sauce for a complete meal. For a heartier option, consider serving them with a side of Peasant Minestrone(Minestrone Rustica) for a comforting dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or sauce to prevent drying out, covering until heated through. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spinach Meat Balls contains roughly 715 calories, with 21g protein, 119g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (42% of the Daily Value), iron (32% of the Daily Value), and calcium (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2536mg per serving (110% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the meatballs ahead of time and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking. Alternatively, you can freeze the uncooked meatballs and cook them directly from frozen; just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What can I substitute for the egg in this recipe?
If you're looking for an egg substitute, you can use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce, 1/4 cup of mashed banana, or a flaxseed meal mixture (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) to help bind the meatballs together.
How can I ensure the meatballs are tender?
To keep the meatballs tender, be careful not to overmix the meatball mixture. Mixing just until combined will help maintain a softer texture. Additionally, using lean ground beef with some fat content will add moisture, preventing them from becoming dry during cooking.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).