Spinach Garlic Meatballs Recipe

If you’ve ever stared into your fridge willing a delicious dinner to magically appear, this one’s for you. These Easy Spinach & Garlic Meatballs are my secret weapon for turning a handful of simple ingredients into a meal that feels both wholesome and a little bit fancy. They’re the kind of crowd-pleaser that makes everyone ask for seconds, whether you’re feeding a hungry family on a Tuesday or need a reliable appetizer for a get-together.

The magic is in the combination. Savory beef, fresh spinach, and a generous dose of garlic come together to create something truly special. It’s a recipe that proves you don’t need hours or complicated techniques to put something amazing on the table.

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Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love These Spinach and Garlic Meatballs

• They’re incredibly simple to make, even on your busiest weeknight.
• Packed with hidden veggies, making them a win for parents.
• Perfect for meal prepping—make a big batch and enjoy them all week!
• Wildly versatile. Serve them with pasta, in a sub, or all by themselves.

Gather Your Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to bring these flavorful meatballs to life:

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• 1 lb ground beef (I often use lean, but any will work)
• 1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)

How to Make Your Spinach and Garlic Meatballs

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped spinach, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to mix everything together gently—don’t overwork the meat!
2. Shape the mixture into evenly sized meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. This recipe should make about 20 meatballs.
3. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the meatballs in a single layer, working in batches if needed to avoid crowding the pan.
4. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the meatballs are browned on all sides and cooked through.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy the deliciousness!

My Favorite Tips for Success

Don’t stress if your meatball mixture feels a bit wet—the spinach can add moisture. Just dust your hands with a little extra breadcrumb or flour when rolling them out to prevent sticking.

For an even easier cleanup, you can bake these meatballs at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes instead of pan-frying. They come out just as delicious!

I love doubling this recipe and freezing half for a future emergency dinner. Just let them cool completely, then store them in a freezer bag. They reheat beautifully in the oven or a skillet.

What to Serve With Your Meatballs

These meatballs are the ultimate team player. Toss them with your favorite marinara sauce and a heap of spaghetti for a classic comfort food night. They’re also fantastic nestled in a toasted sub roll with melted mozzarella for a seriously satisfying sandwich. For a lighter option, I serve them alongside a simple fresh green salad or some roasted vegetables.

Answers to Your Meatball Questions

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out every last drop of excess water using a clean kitchen towel. Too much moisture will make your meatballs fall apart.

How should I store leftover meatballs?

Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They reheat like a dream in the microwave or a skillet with a touch of oil.

Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the raw meatballs and keep them covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking. This is a huge timesaver for busy days.

What’s the best way to freeze them?

Place cooked, cooled meatballs in a single layer on a baking sheet to flash freeze for an hour. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. No need to thaw—just reheat them straight from frozen in a sauce.

There you have it—a simple, flavor-packed recipe that’s about to become a regular in your dinner rotation. These Spinach & Garlic Meatballs are proof that the best meals don’t have to be complicated. They’re about throwing a few good things together with a little bit of love and creating something everyone will enjoy. I’d love to hear how yours turn out! For another family-friendly ground beef idea, try my popular One-Pot Beef Noodle Casserole next.