259 Cals 20.5 Protein 15 Carbs 10.5 Fats
PREP TIME:
15 mins
COOK TIME:
25 mins
TOTAL TIME:
40 mins
YIELD:6 SERVINGS
COURSE:Dinner
CUISINE:Italian
These amazing Italian Beef and Spinach Meatballs would make my husband”s Italian family proud! I snuck some spinach in the meatball mix, but I promise even the pickiest of eaters will love them!
INGREDIENTS
2 slices whole wheat light bread, (or gluten-free bread)
1 lb 93% lean ground beef
1 tbsp olive oil
10 oz frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed of all liquid
1 large egg
1 clove garlic, minced
2 tbsp fresh parsley
1/2 cup Pecorino Romano cheese, or your favorite Parmesan Cheese
salt and pepper
Tomato Sauce:
1 tsp olive oil
3 cloves smashed garlic
28 oz can Tuttorosso crushed tomatoes, my favorite
1/2 onion, don’t chop
salt and pepper
INSTRUCTIONS
Wet bread with just enough water (or milk) to wet and then mash up with your hands.
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.
Using a 1/4 cup measuring cup, measure meat and then divide in two so that each meatball is 1/8th of a cup. Roll into little meatballs.
Make the sauceL In a large pot, add 1 teaspoon olive oil and heat on medium heat.
When hot add smashed garlic.
When garlic is golden brown, about 1 to 2 minutes add the tomatoes, onion, salt and pepper and cover, reduce heat to low.
Meanwhile, in a large nonstick skillet, add 1 tbsp olive oil on low heat.
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.
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.
VIDEO
Serving: 5meatballs w/ 4.5 oz sauce, Calories: 259kcal, Carbohydrates: 15g, Protein: 20.5g, Fat: 10.5g, Saturated Fat: 4g, Cholesterol: 81mg, Sodium: 512.5mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 5.5gBlue Smart Points:4Green Smart Points:5Purple Smart Points:4Points +:6