Name: Cheesy Baked Spinach Meatballs
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef or turkey; 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce; 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 tbsp olive oil

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Cheesy Baked Spinach Meatballs are a hearty, flavor-packed dish combining tender ground meat, earthy spinach, zesty marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese. Perfect as an appetizer, main course, or party platter, these meatballs deliver savory satisfaction in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Combines protein and greens in one flavorful bite
Baked instead of fried for a lighter option
Melty cheese makes them irresistible
Freezer-friendly and great for meal prep
Pairs well with pasta, rice, or as a sandwich filling

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ground beef or turkey
Fresh spinach
Garlic
Onion
Parmesan cheese
Mozzarella cheese
Marinara sauce
Eggs
Breadcrumbs
Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper
Olive oil

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
Sauté chopped onion and garlic in olive oil until softened. Add spinach and cook until wilted. Let cool.
In a mixing bowl, combine ground meat, sautéed spinach mixture, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, eggs, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly.
Form into meatballs and place them in the prepared baking dish.
Spoon marinara sauce over the top and bake for 20 minutes.
Remove from oven, top each meatball with shredded mozzarella, and return to the oven until the cheese melts and browns slightly, about 10 more minutes.
Serve hot with extra sauce or alongside your preferred side dish.

Servings and timing

Serves: 4 to 6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

Use ground chicken for a lighter version
Add chili flakes for a spicy kick
Substitute kale or arugula for spinach
Try feta instead of mozzarella for a tangy twist
Serve over polenta or spaghetti squash for a low-carb option

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Microwave on medium heat or bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

FAQs

What type of ground meat works best?

Ground beef, turkey, or chicken all work well. For a richer flavor, use a beef/pork blend.

Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare and refrigerate them up to 24 hours in advance before baking.

Do I need to cook the spinach before adding it?

Yes, cooking the spinach removes excess moisture and intensifies its flavor.

Can I use frozen spinach?

Yes, thaw and drain it well before mixing with the meat.

How do I keep the meatballs from falling apart?

Ensure the mixture includes enough breadcrumbs and eggs as binders.

Is it okay to use store-bought marinara sauce?

Absolutely. Choose a good-quality sauce to complement the flavors.

How do I make them spicier?

Add crushed red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños to the meat mixture.

Can these be cooked in an air fryer?

Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the size and temperature—cook in batches at 375°F for about 15 minutes.

What cheese alternatives can I use?

Try provolone, cheddar, or a mix of Italian cheeses.

Are these gluten-free?

Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make the recipe gluten-free.

Conclusion

Cheesy Baked Spinach Meatballs are the perfect blend of comfort and nutrition. With easy preparation and crowd-pleasing flavors, they make a versatile addition to any table—whether served as an entrée, appetizer, or meal prep staple.

Cheesy Baked Spinach Meatballs

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Cheesy Baked Spinach Meatballs are a hearty, flavor-packed dish combining tender ground meat, earthy spinach, zesty marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese, ideal for appetizers, main courses, or party platters.

Author: Emma Harper
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Halal

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
Sauté chopped onion and garlic in olive oil until softened. Add spinach and cook until wilted. Let cool.
In a mixing bowl, combine ground meat, sautéed spinach mixture, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, eggs, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly.
Form into meatballs and place them in the prepared baking dish.
Spoon marinara sauce over the top and bake for 20 minutes.
Remove from oven, top each meatball with shredded mozzarella, and return to the oven until the cheese melts and browns slightly, about 10 more minutes.
Serve hot with extra sauce or alongside your preferred side dish.