Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb lean ground beef or turkey
- 5 oz fresh spinach, finely chopped (or 1/2 cup frozen, thawed and squeezed dry)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, finely chopped spinach (ensure excess water is squeezed out if using fresh or thawed frozen), minced garlic, panko breadcrumbs, egg, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Step 2: Using your hands or a small scoop, roll the mixture into 1-inch to 1.5-inch meatballs. You should get approximately 20-24 meatballs.
- Step 3: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Carefully place the meatballs in the hot skillet, ensuring not to overcrowd. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Step 4: Brown the meatballs on all sides, turning occasionally, for about 8-10 minutes, or until cooked through and no longer pink in the center. An instant-read thermometer should register 160°F (71°C) for beef/beef or 165°F (74°C) for turkey.
- Step 5: Remove from skillet and serve hot, either on their own, with a simple tomato sauce, or as part of a meal.
Notes
- Keep cooked meatballs fresh in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, or freeze them for longer-term meal prep solutions.
- To reheat, gently warm them in a skillet with a lid and a tablespoon of water or sauce to maintain moisture, or pop them in the microwave in short bursts until hot.
- Beyond pasta, try these delightful meatballs tucked into pita bread with tzatziki, piled onto creamy polenta, or skewered with cherry tomatoes for a fun appetizer.
- To guarantee your meatballs are tender and hold their shape well, make sure to squeeze as much moisture as possible from the spinach – this step makes a big difference!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: approximately 4-5 meatballs
- Calories: 387
- Sodium: 370mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Protein: 1g