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Easy Spinach Garlic Meatballs

Easy Spinach Garlic Meatballs
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Easy Spinach Garlic Meatballs are quick, nutritious, and flavorful bites combining tender ground meat, fresh spinach, and aromatic garlic. Perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners, these meatballs offer a healthy twist on the classic, ready in under 30 minutes and adaptable to various dietary needs.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatball Ingredients

  • 1 lb lean ground meat (beef, turkey, or chicken)
  • 1 cup fresh spinach, wilted, squeezed dry, and finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (or almond flour / gluten-free crumbs for gluten-free)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or feta/mozzarella as alternatives)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Spinach: Wash fresh spinach thoroughly. Lightly sauté or steam the spinach until wilted, then squeeze out any excess water to prevent soggy meatballs. Chop finely for even distribution in the meat mixture.
  2. Mix the Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, prepared spinach, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with hands or a spoon until all ingredients are evenly incorporated, being careful not to overmix to maintain tenderness.
  3. Shape the Meatballs: Form the meat mixture into small, evenly sized balls about one inch in diameter using your hands. This ensures they cook evenly and quickly.
  4. Cook the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, avoiding overcrowding, and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 10-12 minutes. Alternatively, bake the meatballs in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes.
  5. Serve and Enjoy: Transfer cooked meatballs to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve immediately with your favorite sides or sauces.

Notes

  • Finely chop spinach to ensure even distribution and prevent clumps.
  • Use fresh minced garlic for brighter flavor compared to pre-minced varieties.
  • Avoid overmixing the meatball mixture to keep them tender.
  • Keep meatballs uniform in size to promote even cooking.
  • Chill shaped meatballs for 10 minutes before cooking to reduce crumbling.

Nutrition

Keywords: spinach meatballs, garlic meatballs, healthy meatballs, quick dinner, gluten-free meatballs, family-friendly recipe

Find it online: https://emillycooks.com/easy-spinach-garlic-meatballs/