Tired of the same old dinner routine? Craving a healthy yet satisfying meal that's both delicious and easy to make? Look no further! This Meatballs and Spinach recipe is a perfect blend of comfort food and healthy eating, making it an ideal choice for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. It's a homemade cooking triumph that's surprisingly simple to achieve, even for beginner cooks. This easy recipe delivers big on flavor, leaving you with a delicious dish the whole family will love.
Ingredients:
This recipe yields approximately 4 servings. Adjust ingredient quantities as needed for larger or smaller batches.
- For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- For the Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
Get started with the meatballs:
- In a large bowl, gently combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Avoid overmixing, as this can result in tough meatballs.
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs. Aim for consistency in size for even cooking.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides, cooking for about 5-7 minutes, or until browned. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside.
Prepare the sauce:
- In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onion until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, thawed and squeezed spinach, salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
- Return the meatballs to the skillet. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve the meatballs and spinach over your favorite pasta, rice, or polenta. A sprinkle of fresh Parmesan cheese adds a delightful finishing touch. This healthy meal is a quick dinner idea perfect for busy weeknights.
Tips and Variations:
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meatballs or the sauce.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef.
- If you prefer a chunkier sauce, add some diced tomatoes along with the crushed tomatoes.
- For a richer sauce, stir in a tablespoon of tomato paste with the onions and garlic.
- Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to create your own unique flavor profile. Consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar for a tangy twist.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 350-400 Protein: Around 25-30g Fat: Approximately 20-25g Carbohydrates: Around 15-20g
This delicious and easy recipe offers a wholesome and satisfying meal that's perfect for any occasion. It's a versatile dish that can easily be adapted to your liking, making it a staple in your healthy meal repertoire. Enjoy!