Spinach Meatballs With Fresh Tomato Sauce
Juicy spinach meatballs paired with a fresh tomato sauce, combining savory flavors and vibrant greens, perfect for a hearty yet healthy meal enjoyed by family and friends.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup long grain rice ⓘ
- 2 bunches spinach ⓘ
- 1 large onion ⓘ
- olive or salad oil ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon dried basil leaves ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- salt ⓘ
- 1 pound ground beef ⓘ
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1 large egg ⓘ
- 3 large tomatoes ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano leaves ⓘ
Instructions
- In a 1-quart pan, cook rice as label directs without adding butter. Set aside 30 minutes before serving.
- Wash and drain spinach. Remove and discard tough stems.
- Chop half of the spinach and set remaining half aside.
- Chop the onion.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground turkey, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, dried basil, salt, and pepper.
- Add chopped spinach and rice to the meat mixture and mix well.
- Shape the mixture into meatballs.
- In a large skillet, heat olive or salad oil over medium heat.
- Cook the meatballs until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 10-15 minutes.
- Meanwhile, prepare the tomato sauce by blanching and peeling the tomatoes, then chopping them.
- In a saucepan, sauté chopped onion in olive oil until translucent.
- Add chopped tomatoes, sugar, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to the saucepan.
- Simmer the sauce for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Serve the meatballs hot with the fresh tomato sauce spooned over.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider incorporating fresh herbs like parsley or thyme into the meatball mixture. If you want a lighter version, substitute ground turkey entirely with a plant-based protein. When cooking the meatballs, ensure the oil is hot enough to achieve a nice sear. This recipe is a great way to enjoy Mediterranean recipes while sneaking in some greens.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the spinach meatballs over a bed of pasta or alongside crusty bread to soak up the delicious tomato sauce. A simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette pairs well for a refreshing side. For a complete meal, consider serving it with a side of roasted vegetables or a light Mediterranean Chick Pea Soup to complement the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the meatballs in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep them moist. Cover with a lid and heat until warmed through, about 5-7 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spinach Meatballs With Fresh Tomato Sauce contains roughly 746 calories, with 28g protein, 99g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (56% of the Daily Value), iron (28% of the Daily Value), and calcium (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 947mg per serving (41% 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 freeze the meatballs and sauce?
Yes, you can freeze both the meatballs and the sauce separately or together. Allow them to cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
What can I use instead of ground beef?
You can substitute the ground beef with more ground turkey or even ground chicken for a leaner option. If you're looking for a vegetarian alternative, try using lentils or a plant-based meat substitute that mimics the texture of ground meat.
How can I adjust the spice level of the sauce?
To adjust the spice level, you can add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the tomato sauce while it simmers. If you prefer a milder sauce, simply omit any additional spices and focus on the fresh flavors of the tomatoes and herbs.
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).