Enjoy a delightful fusion of flavors with these Italian beef and spinach meatballs. Perfectly seasoned and simmered in a rich tomato sauce, they are sure to become a family favorite.
Pecorino Romano cheese and TuttoRosso crushed tomatoes might not be regular staples in your pantry. Pecorino Romano, a hard, salty cheese, adds a unique flavor. TuttoRosso crushed tomatoes, known for their rich taste, are a key ingredient in the sauce. Ensure a trip to the supermarket includes these for authentic taste.
Ingredients For Italian Beef And Spinach Meatballs
Whole wheat light bread: This acts as a binder to keep the meatballs moist and tender.
Ground beef: The main protein component, providing a rich and hearty flavor.
Olive oil: Used for browning the meatballs and sautéing the garlic for the sauce.
Frozen spinach: Adds a nutritious and flavorful element to the meatballs.
Egg: Acts as a binder to help hold the meatballs together.
Garlic: Infuses the meatballs and sauce with robust flavor.
Fresh parsley: Adds a fresh, herby note to the meatballs.
Pecorino Romano cheese: A sharp, salty cheese that enhances the meatball flavor.
Salt: Enhances the flavors of all the ingredients.
Pepper: Adds a hint of spice to the meatballs and sauce.
Tuttorosso crushed tomatoes: Forms the base of the rich tomato sauce.
Onion: Adds depth and sweetness to the tomato sauce.
One reader, Edvard Pickett says:
This Italian beef and spinach meatballs recipe is a game-changer! The meatballs are juicy and flavorful, and the spinach adds a nice touch of healthiness. The homemade tomato sauce is simply divine. Perfect for a cozy family dinner.
Techniques Required for Making Italian Beef and Spinach Meatballs
How to wet bread: Wet the bread with just enough water or milk to moisten it, then mash it up until it becomes a paste-like consistency. How to chop spinach: Thaw the frozen spinach and squeeze out any excess water, then chop it finely. How to smash garlic: Place the garlic clove under the flat side of a knife and press down firmly to crush it. How to brown garlic: Heat the olive oil in a pot over medium heat, then add the smashed garlic and cook until it turns golden brown, about 1 to 2 minutes. How to brown meatballs: Heat olive oil in a nonstick skillet over low heat, add the meatballs, and cook them by turning often so that all sides get browned evenly. How to simmer sauce: After adding the meatballs to the sauce, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for an additional 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
How To Make Italian Beef and Spinach Meatballs
This meatballs recipe is a lightened-up version of the meaty classic. The added spinach adds more fiber and nutrition while keeping the calorie count low.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 2sliceswhole wheat light bread,or gluten-free bread
- 1lbground beef,(93% lean)
- 1tbspolive oil
- 10ozfrozen spinach,thawed and squeezed of all liquid, chopped
- 1egg,large
- 1clovegarlic,minced
- 2tbspfresh parsley
- ½cuppecorino romano cheese,or favorite parmesan cheese
- salt and pepper
For Tomato Sauce:
- 1tspolive oil
- 3clovessmashed garlic
- 28ozTuttorosso crushed tomatoes,(1 can)
- ½onion,not chopped
- salt and pepper
Instructions
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Wet bread with just enough water (or milk) to wet and then mash them up.
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Add to large bowl and combine with chopped beef, chopped spinach, egg, garlic, parsley, grated cheese, salt and pepper. Mix all ingredients well until thoroughly combined.
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Using a ¼ cup measuring cup, measure meat and then divide in two so that each meatball is ⅛ of a cup. Roll into little meatballs.
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In a large pot, add 1 teaspoon olive oil and heat on medium heat.
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When hot, add smashed garlic.
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When garlic is golden brown, after about 1 to 2 minutes, add the tomatoes, onion, salt and pepper and cover, reduce heat to low.
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Meanwhile, in a large nonstick skillet, add 1 tablespoon olive oil on low heat.
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When oil is hot add as many meatballs that will fit, cook on low, turning often so that all side get browned. Cook until the centers are cooked through.
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When finished, place on a dish lined with paper towels to blot any excess oil. Drop meatballs into sauce and continue cooking the remaining meatballs, repeating the process.
-
When all meatballs are in the sauce, simmer for an additional 15 minutes. Discard onion and serve.
Nutrition
- Calories: 362.49kcal
- Fat: 22.72g
- Saturated Fat: 8.44g
- Trans Fat: 0.90g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 10.14g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.31g
- Carbohydrates: 19.38g
- Fiber: 4.66g
- Sugar: 7.18g
- Protein: 22.40g
- Cholesterol: 91.78mg
- Sodium: 701.04mg
- Calcium: 255.13mg
- Potassium: 946.06mg
- Iron: 5.34mg
- Vitamin A: 267.02µg
- Vitamin C: 28.55mg
Technique Tip for Perfectly Shaped Meatballs
When preparing the meatballs, ensure that the ground beef and spinach mixture is well-combined but not overworked. Overmixing can result in tougher meatballs. To achieve a uniform texture, use your hands to gently mix the ingredients until just combined.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Italian Beef and Spinach Meatballs
Use pre-chopped garlic: Save time by using pre-chopped garlic instead of mincing fresh cloves.
Pre-thaw spinach: Thaw the frozen spinach in advance to reduce prep time.
Bread crumbs substitute: Use store-bought bread crumbs instead of soaking and mashing bread slices.
Batch cooking: Double the recipe and freeze extra meatballs for future meals.
Pre-made sauce: Use a high-quality store-bought tomato sauce to skip making it from scratch.
Food processor: Use a food processor to quickly chop parsley and mix ingredients.
Nonstick skillet: Cook meatballs in a nonstick skillet to reduce sticking and cleanup time.
Substitute Ingredients For Italian Beef and Spinach Meatballs Recipe
whole wheat light bread - Substitute with gluten-free bread: This is a good option for those who are gluten intolerant or prefer a gluten-free diet.
ground beef - Substitute with ground turkey: Ground turkey is a leaner option and can reduce the overall fat content of the meatballs.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar smoke point and nutritional profile, making it a good alternative.
frozen spinach - Substitute with fresh spinach: Fresh spinach can be used if you prefer a fresher taste; just make sure to cook and drain it well.
egg - Substitute with flax egg: A flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water) is a great vegan alternative that helps bind the ingredients.
garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: If fresh garlic is unavailable, garlic powder can provide a similar flavor; use 1/4 tsp for each clove.
fresh parsley - Substitute with dried parsley: Dried parsley can be used in place of fresh; use 1 tsp of dried parsley for every tbsp of fresh.
pecorino romano cheese - Substitute with parmesan cheese: Parmesan cheese has a similar texture and flavor profile, making it a suitable replacement.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a direct replacement for table salt, offering a slightly different mineral content.
pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper can be used if you prefer a milder pepper flavor without the black specks.
olive oil - Substitute with grapeseed oil: Grapeseed oil is another healthy oil option with a high smoke point, suitable for cooking.
smashed garlic - Substitute with minced garlic: Minced garlic can be used if you prefer a more evenly distributed garlic flavor in the sauce.
tuttorosso crushed tomatoes - Substitute with san marzano crushed tomatoes: San Marzano tomatoes are known for their rich flavor and can be a premium alternative.
onion - Substitute with shallot: Shallots offer a milder, sweeter flavor compared to onions and can be used as a substitute.
salt - Substitute with kosher salt: Kosher salt can be used as a direct replacement for table salt, often preferred by chefs for its texture.
pepper - Substitute with crushed red pepper flakes: For a spicier kick, crushed red pepper flakes can be used in place of black pepper.
Presentation Ideas for Italian Beef and Spinach Meatballs
Serve smaller portion sizes: Create elegant, bite-sized meatballs to ensure each guest gets a perfect taste of the dish without overwhelming their palate.
Use decoration: Garnish the plate with a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh parsley and a light dusting of pecorino romano cheese for a touch of color and sophistication.
Plate with precision: Arrange the meatballs in a circular pattern on a pristine white plate, leaving space between each to highlight their individual beauty.
Sauce presentation: Drizzle the tomato sauce artfully around the meatballs, ensuring it doesn't overpower the dish but complements it visually and flavor-wise.
Add texture: Include a small, crispy bread crostini on the side, brushed with olive oil and lightly toasted, to add a contrasting crunch to the soft meatballs.
Highlight ingredients: Place a few whole garlic cloves and a sprig of parsley on the plate to showcase the fresh ingredients used in the recipe.
Use a sauce boat: Serve extra tomato sauce in a small, elegant sauce boat on the side, allowing guests to add more if they desire.
Finish with finesse: Add a final touch of freshly cracked black pepper and a few drops of high-quality olive oil over the meatballs just before serving to enhance the aroma and flavor.
Essential Tools for Making Italian Beef and Spinach Meatballs
Large bowl: Used to combine and mix the ground beef, spinach, egg, garlic, parsley, cheese, and seasonings.
Measuring cup: Essential for measuring out the meat mixture to ensure uniform meatball sizes.
Large pot: Used to prepare the tomato sauce and simmer the meatballs.
Nonstick skillet: Ideal for browning the meatballs evenly on all sides.
Wooden spoon: Handy for stirring the sauce and turning the meatballs while cooking.
Garlic press: Useful for mincing the garlic clove to mix into the meatball mixture.
Knife: Necessary for chopping the parsley and slicing the onion.
Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping the parsley and onion.
Paper towels: Used to blot excess oil from the cooked meatballs.
Can opener: Needed to open the can of crushed tomatoes.
Mixing spoon: Useful for combining the ingredients in the large bowl.
Measuring spoons: Essential for measuring out the olive oil, salt, and pepper accurately.
Storing and Freezing Italian Beef and Spinach Meatballs
- Allow the meatballs and sauce to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- To freeze the meatballs, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid, about 2 hours. Once frozen, transfer the meatballs to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
- If you want to freeze the meatballs with the sauce, place them in a freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top for expansion during freezing. Allow the meatballs and sauce to cool completely before sealing the container and placing it in the freezer.
- Properly stored, frozen meatballs can last for up to 3 months in the freezer.
- To reheat frozen meatballs, you can either thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or place them directly in a saucepan with the sauce over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. If reheating without the sauce, you can also microwave the meatballs on a microwave-safe plate until warmed through.
- When reheating, ensure that the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are safe to consume.
How To Reheat Leftover Meatballs
To reheat leftover Italian beef and spinach meatballs, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the meatballs in a baking dish and cover with foil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. This method helps retain the moisture and flavor of the meatballs while preventing them from drying out.
Another option is to reheat the meatballs in a tomato sauce on the stovetop. Place the meatballs and sauce in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Cover and simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meatballs are heated through. This method allows the meatballs to absorb more flavor from the sauce and results in a more tender texture.
For a quicker reheating method, use the microwave. Place the meatballs in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Be sure to check the meatballs every 30 seconds to avoid overheating, which can cause them to become tough and rubbery.
If you have leftover meatballs without sauce, you can reheat them in a skillet on the stovetop. Add a small amount of olive oil or water to the skillet and place the meatballs in a single layer. Cover and heat over medium-low heat for 5-7 minutes, turning the meatballs occasionally to ensure even heating.
For a crispy exterior, reheat the meatballs under the broiler. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with foil and broil for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through and slightly crispy on the outside. Keep a close eye on the meatballs to prevent burning.
Interesting Fact About Italian Beef and Spinach Meatballs
A unique aspect of this Italian beef and spinach meatballs recipe is the use of pecorino romano cheese, which adds a distinct, sharp flavor. This cheese is made from sheep's milk and is a staple in Italian cuisine, enhancing the overall taste of the meatballs.
Is Making Italian Beef and Spinach Meatballs at Home Cost-Effective?
This Italian beef and spinach meatballs recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. Using ground beef, frozen spinach, and pantry staples like garlic and onion, it keeps costs low while delivering a nutritious meal. The pecorino romano cheese adds a touch of indulgence without breaking the bank. Overall Verdict: 8/10. Approximate cost for a household of 4 people: $15-$20 USD.
Are Italian Beef and Spinach Meatballs Healthy?
This Italian beef and spinach meatballs recipe has both healthy and unhealthy aspects. On the positive side, it incorporates nutrient-dense ingredients like spinach, which is rich in vitamins and minerals, and whole wheat bread, providing fiber. The recipe also uses lean ground beef, which can be a good source of protein. Additionally, the homemade tomato sauce is a healthier alternative to store-bought sauces that often contain added sugars and preservatives.
However, there are some areas where the recipe could be improved to make it even healthier:
- Use a leaner cut of ground beef, such as 90% lean or higher, to reduce the overall fat content
- Increase the amount of spinach or add other vegetables like grated zucchini or carrots to boost the nutrient profile
- Opt for low-fat cheese or reduce the amount of cheese used to lower the saturated fat content
- Use whole grain breadcrumbs instead of whole wheat bread to increase the fiber content and improve texture
- Bake the meatballs instead of frying them to reduce the amount of oil used and lower the calorie count
- Add herbs and spices like oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes to enhance flavor without increasing calories or fat
By making these adjustments, you can create a more well-rounded and nutritious meal that still satisfies your craving for delicious Italian meatballs.
Editor's Opinion on This Delicious Meatball Recipe
This Italian beef and spinach meatball recipe is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures. The use of whole wheat bread adds a subtle nuttiness, while the pecorino romano cheese provides a sharp, salty kick. The spinach not only boosts the nutritional value but also adds a vibrant green hue. Cooking the meatballs in a nonstick skillet ensures they remain juicy and tender. The tomato sauce, enriched with garlic and onion, complements the meatballs perfectly. Overall, this dish is a balanced and hearty meal that is both nutritious and delicious.
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Why trust this Italian Beef and Spinach Meatballs Recipe:
This recipe combines the rich flavors of ground beef and pecorino romano cheese with the nutritious boost of spinach. The tomato sauce made from crushed tomatoes and garlic adds a delightful tang. Each step is carefully crafted to ensure the meatballs are tender and flavorful. Trust this recipe for its balance of taste and health, and enjoy a classic Italian dish that's perfect for any occasion.
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