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Delicious Spinach Garlic Meatballs Recipe

Delicious Spinach Garlic Meatballs Recipe

The **Delicious Spinach Garlic Meatballs Recipe** is your go-to for a flavorful and surprisingly healthy meal, perfect for busy weeknights or impressive dinner parties. This recipe simplifies a classic crowd-pleaser with hidden greens and robust garlic notes, making it both satisfying and remarkably easy to prepare.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Simmer Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 18 meatballs
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 recommended for best flavor and texture)
  • 1 cup fresh spinach finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian-seasoned)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg lightly beaten
  • 2 tablespoons milk (whole or skim)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil for searing
  • Optional: Additional garlic for sauce
  • Optional: Red pepper flakes for a kick

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Large skillet
  • Dutch Oven (optional)
  • Baking Dish (Optional)

Method
 

  1. In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the ground beef, finely chopped fresh spinach, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, milk, salt, and black pepper. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough meatballs. Mix just until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
    1 pound ground beef, 1 cup fresh spinach, 4 cloves garlic, 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 large egg, 2 tablespoons milk, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  2. With lightly dampened hands, roll the mixture into uniform balls, about 1.5 inches in diameter. This recipe should yield approximately 18-20 meatballs.
  3. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Carefully add the meatballs in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. You may need to work in batches. Sear the meatballs for about 2-3 minutes per side, until they are nicely browned all around. This searing step is crucial for developing a rich flavor and a pleasant crust.
    1 tablespoon olive oil
  4. Once browned, you can either continue cooking them in the skillet, covered, for another 10-15 minutes, or transfer them to a baking dish and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through and no longer pink in the center. For an even more tender and flavorful result, this is the perfect stage to add them to your favorite marinara sauce and let them simmer for at least 20-30 minutes, allowing them to absorb all the delicious sauce flavors.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze cooked meatballs for up to 2-3 months.