Name: Easy Spinach & Garlic Meatballs
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef or turkey; 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 large egg; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp Italian seasoning or dried oregano; 1 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing or pan-searing)

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Easy Spinach & Garlic Meatballs are juicy, flavorful meatballs loaded with sautéed spinach, fresh garlic, and herbs—perfect for a quick dinner, meal prep, or a healthy twist on classic comfort food. Whether I serve them with pasta, rice, or stuff them into a sandwich, they’re always a hit and easy to make in under 30 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love these meatballs because they’re a delicious way to sneak in extra greens without sacrificing flavor. The spinach and garlic add so much depth, and they stay incredibly moist thanks to the simple ingredients. They bake up beautifully or can be pan-seared if I’m in a hurry. Plus, they freeze great, which makes them one of my go-to recipes for batch cooking. Easy Spinach & Garlic Meatballs

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ground beef or turkey
Fresh spinach (chopped)
Garlic (minced)
Egg
Breadcrumbs
Parmesan cheese (grated)
Salt
Black pepper
Italian seasoning or dried oregano
Olive oil (for sautéing spinach or pan-searing)

Directions

I preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
I heat a bit of olive oil in a skillet and sauté the spinach and garlic until wilted and fragrant. I let it cool slightly before mixing.
In a large bowl, I combine the ground meat, sautéed spinach and garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, salt, pepper, and seasoning.
I mix everything gently until just combined, then form into 1 ½-inch meatballs and place them on the baking sheet.
I bake for 18–20 minutes, or until golden and cooked through. If I want a crispier finish, I broil them for the last 1–2 minutes.
I serve them warm with my favorite sauce, over pasta, rice, or even in a wrap or salad.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 16–18 meatballs and serves 4–6. It takes around 30 minutes total—10 minutes to prep and 18–20 minutes to bake.

Variations

Sometimes I add chopped onions or fresh herbs like parsley to boost the flavor even more. I’ve also swapped the beef for ground chicken, or used gluten-free breadcrumbs when I want a lighter or allergy-friendly version. For extra cheesiness, I’ve even stuffed them with a small cube of mozzarella.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I microwave them or warm them gently in a skillet with a splash of broth or sauce. They also freeze beautifully—I freeze them on a tray first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They reheat well from frozen in the oven or microwave. Easy Spinach & Garlic Meatballs

FAQs

Can I use frozen spinach?

Yes, I can. I thaw it first and squeeze out all the excess moisture before mixing it in to avoid soggy meatballs.

What’s the best meat to use?

I usually go with ground beef or turkey, but any ground meat will work depending on the flavor and texture I’m after.

Can I make these meatballs dairy-free?

Yes. I just skip the Parmesan or use a dairy-free cheese alternative. The texture will still hold up well.

How do I keep the meatballs from drying out?

I make sure not to overbake and avoid overmixing the meat, which can make them tough. The spinach and egg help keep them juicy.

Can I cook these on the stovetop instead?

Definitely. I pan-sear them in a bit of olive oil over medium heat for about 10–12 minutes, turning to brown all sides evenly.

Conclusion

Easy Spinach & Garlic Meatballs are a flavorful, nutritious twist on a classic favorite. They’re quick to make, packed with greens, and work with almost any meal. Whether I’m serving them with marinara, over grains, or enjoying them on their own, these meatballs always come through with comfort and flavor.