Spinach Meatballs Recipe: Juicy Dinner Magic

Spinach meatballs pack a nutritional punch that revolutionizes an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

These delectable spheres of savory goodness blend lean protein with vibrant green vegetables seamlessly.

Traditional comfort food receives a healthy makeover through this innovative culinary approach.

Packed with essential nutrients and rich flavors, these meatballs offer more than just sustenance.

Home cooks can easily elevate their dinner game with this simple yet sophisticated recipe.

Families will appreciate the clever way vegetables become irresistibly incorporated into a classic dish.

The secret lies in strategic ingredient balancing and thoughtful preparation techniques.

Bold flavor and remarkable nutrition await you in this exciting meatball adventure.

Spinach Meatballs That Even Meat Lovers Approve

• Nutrition-Packed Power Punch: These spinach meatballs deliver a knockout blend of protein from ground chicken and vitamins from fresh spinach, making them a sneaky way to boost your daily nutrient intake.
• Effortless Gourmet Experience: With just one mixing bowl and simple ingredients, home cooks can create restaurant-quality meatballs in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknight dinners or meal prep.
• Texture Sensation: The combination of almond meal and ground chicken creates a tender, moist meatball with a delightful light texture that melts in your mouth, while feta adds a tangy flavor burst.
• Keto and Low-Carb Friendly: By using almond meal instead of traditional breadcrumbs, these meatballs become a delicious option for anyone following low-carb or ketogenic dietary plans without sacrificing flavor.

Spinach Meatball Ingredient Rundown

• Ground Chicken: Lean protein base that helps bind the meatballs with a mild flavor, best when fresh and not too fatty.
• Eggs: Natural binder that holds the meatball mixture together and adds richness.

• Spinach, Parsley: Fresh green ingredients that add nutrition, color, and a vibrant herbal note to the meatballs.
• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic ingredients that provide depth of flavor and classic savory undertones.

• Almond Meal: Gluten-free binding ingredient that adds nutty flavor and tender texture.
• Feta Cheese: Tangy cheese that brings moisture and a sharp Mediterranean taste.
• Oregano, Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile of the meatballs.

How to Make Tender and Flavorful Spinach Meatballs

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Stations

Crank up the oven to a toasty 400°F. Grab two baking sheets and line them with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Create the Dry Mixture Base

• Almond meal
• Dried oregano
• Salt
• Cracked black pepper

Step 3: Activate the Binding Agent

Crack open the eggs and whisk them into the almond meal mixture until everything is thoroughly combined.

Step 4: Build Layers of Flavor

• Chopped fresh spinach
• Crumbled feta cheese
• Freshly chopped parsley
• Diced onion
• Minced garlic

Step 5: Introduce the Protein

Gently fold in ground chicken, being careful not to overmix. The goal is to keep the mixture light and tender.

Step 6: Shape the Meatballs

Use a 1½-inch scoop to create perfectly uniform meatballs. Place them carefully on the prepared baking sheets, leaving a bit of space between each one.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the sheets into the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. They’re done when they’re golden brown and cooked completely through.

Tips for Holding Shape and Boosting Flavor

• Prevent Dry Meatballs: Avoid overmixing the ground chicken to keep the texture moist and tender.
• Boost Flavor Intensity: Chop spinach finely to distribute its taste evenly throughout the meatballs.
• Ensure Perfect Cooking: Use a meat thermometer to check that internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
• Create Uniform Size: Use a cookie scoop for consistent meatball shapes, which helps ensure even cooking.
• Enhance Moisture: Let meatballs rest for 5 minutes after baking to help retain their juiciness and prevent crumbling.

Store and Reheat Spinach Meatballs Without Drying Out

• Refrigerate: Store leftover spinach meatballs in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep them refrigerated for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Freeze: Wrap individual meatballs tightly in plastic wrap or place in freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label the container with the date to track storage time.
• Reheat: Warm refrigerated meatballs in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes until heated through. For frozen meatballs, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Avoid microwaving to prevent drying out the chicken and losing moisture.

Side Picks That Pair With Spinach Meatballs

• Pair with Zesty Marinara Sauce: Drizzle these herb-packed spinach meatballs with a bright, tangy marinara that complements their rich chicken and feta flavors. The sauce adds moisture and enhances the Mediterranean-inspired profile.
• Serve with Crisp Greek Salad: Create a refreshing side featuring cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, and kalamata olives dressed in olive oil and lemon. The salad's light, crunchy texture balances the hearty meatballs perfectly.
• Match with Crisp White Wine: Select a chilled Assyrtiko or Sauvignon Blanc from Greece. These wines offer citrusy, mineral notes that cut through the meatballs' richness and highlight the spinach and feta's delicate flavors.
• Complement with Herbed Quinoa: Prepare quinoa with fresh parsley, dill, and a touch of lemon zest. This protein-packed grain provides a light, aromatic base that echoes the meatballs' herbaceous undertones.

Ways to Add Flair to Your Spinach Meatballs

• Mediterranean Magic: Replace feta with crumbled goat cheese and add sun-dried tomatoes for a vibrant Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
• Spicy Southwest Kick: Incorporate diced jalapeños, cumin, and cilantro to transform these meatballs into a zesty southwestern-style appetizer with a bold heat level.
• Herbal Garden Blend: Swap parsley for fresh basil and thyme, creating an aromatic herb-infused version that brightens the chicken meatballs with garden-fresh taste.
• Protein Power Boost: Mix in cooked quinoa or chia seeds to increase protein content and add a subtle nutty texture to the meatball mixture.

Spinach Meatballs Recipe

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4.8 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Hearty spinach meatballs bring Italian comfort to your dinner table with a nutritious twist. Packed with herbal notes and lean protein, these delectable bites will satisfy hungry diners seeking a wholesome meal you can enjoy with pride.

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Ingredients

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Main Proteins:

• 2 pounds ground chicken (93% Lean | 7% Fat)
• 8 ounces feta cheese, finely crumbled

Vegetables and Herbs:

• 20 ounces frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
• 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
• ½ cup chopped parsley
• 8 cloves garlic, minced

Binding and Seasoning:

• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup almond meal or almond flour (use breadcrumbs for non-low-carb version)
• 2 teaspoons oregano
• 1½ teaspoons salt
• 1½ teaspoons pepper

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Instructions

1. Organize all ingredients and kitchen tools before initiating the meatball preparation process.
2. Blend almond meal with aromatic dried oregano, then incorporate salt and ground black pepper to create a foundational seasoning mixture.
3. Whisk eggs thoroughly, then fold into the seasoned almond meal, ensuring complete integration of liquid and dry components.
4. Introduce finely chopped spinach leaves, crumbled feta cheese, freshly minced parsley, diced onion, and crushed garlic into the developing mixture.
5. Gently fold ground chicken into the herb-laden mixture, maintaining a light touch to prevent dense meatball texture.
6. Use a precise portioning scoop to shape uniform meatballs, placing them strategically on parchment-lined baking sheets with slight separation.
7. Slide baking sheets into a preheated oven set at 400°F, allowing meatballs to roast until golden exterior develops and internal temperature reaches safe cooking point, approximately 15-20 minutes.
8. Remove from oven and let meatballs rest momentarily, allowing residual heat to complete cooking and juices to redistribute throughout the protein.

Notes

• These protein-packed meatballs deliver a delightful Mediterranean twist with spinach and feta.
• Almond meal replaces traditional breadcrumbs, making this recipe naturally gluten-free and low-carb friendly.
• Gentle mixing prevents tough meatballs, ensuring a tender and juicy texture every time.
• Freezer-friendly option allows you to prepare a batch ahead and reheat for quick meals.
• Fresh herbs like parsley and oregano elevate the flavor profile with vibrant, aromatic notes.
• Check internal temperature reaches 165°F for perfectly cooked ground chicken meatballs.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 205
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 5 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 130 mg