Baked Spinach & Cheese Meatballs

Baked Spinach & Cheese Meatballs are juicy, oven-baked meatballs packed with fresh spinach and gooey melted cheese, all smothered in a rich and creamy garlic sauce. This comforting dish is perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal and pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or crusty bread.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Juicy and flavorful – Baked meatballs stay tender while absorbing the creamy garlic sauce.
• Packed with spinach – A great way to add extra greens to your meal.
• Cheesy and rich – Mozzarella and Parmesan make these meatballs incredibly satisfying.
• Easy to make – Simple steps with minimal prep time.
• Versatile – Serve over pasta, rice, or enjoy with a side of vegetables.

Ingredients

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

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground chicken or turkey
• 1/2 cup fresh spinach, chopped
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

Prepare the Meatballs:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil.
2. In a large bowl, mix ground chicken, spinach, mozzarella, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
3. Roll the mixture into meatballs and place them on the baking sheet.

Bake & Prepare the Sauce:

1. Bake for 18-20 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
2. Meanwhile, melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
3. Pour in heavy cream, stir in mozzarella, salt, and pepper. Let simmer until smooth.

Combine & Serve:

1. Transfer baked meatballs into a baking dish, pour the creamy sauce over them, and broil for 3-5 minutes until bubbly.
2. Serve hot with pasta, rice, or crusty bread!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4 servings
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Calories: 320 kcal per serving

Variations

• Extra Cheesy – Add an extra sprinkle of Parmesan on top before broiling.
• Spicy Version – Mix in red pepper flakes or cayenne for a spicy kick.
• Low-Carb Option – Skip the breadcrumbs and use almond flour instead.
• Dairy-Free Alternative – Use coconut cream and dairy-free cheese.
• Different Proteins – Swap chicken or turkey for ground beef or pork.

Storage & Reheating

• Refrigeration – Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing – Freeze cooked meatballs (without sauce) for up to 2 months. Thaw before reheating.
• Reheating – Warm in a skillet over low heat or microwave in short intervals.

FAQs

1. Can I make these meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, prepare and refrigerate the meatball mixture up to a day in advance before baking.

2. Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, but make sure to thaw and squeeze out excess moisture before adding to the mixture.

3. What can I serve with these meatballs?

They pair well with pasta, mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables.

4. Can I cook these meatballs in a skillet instead of baking?

Yes, cook them in a pan over medium heat until browned and cooked through.

5. How do I know when the meatballs are fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer—internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).

6. Can I substitute the heavy cream in the sauce?

Yes, half-and-half or milk with a cornstarch slurry can work, but the sauce will be thinner.

7. Can I use different cheeses?

Yes, provolone, gouda, or Swiss cheese can be used for a unique twist.

8. How do I keep the meatballs from drying out?

Using ground chicken with a bit of fat or adding extra cheese can help retain moisture.

9. Can I double the recipe for meal prep?

Absolutely! Make a larger batch and freeze extra portions for easy meals.

10. Can I make this dish keto-friendly?

Yes, use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs and heavy cream for a keto version.

Conclusion

Baked Spinach & Cheese Meatballs are a rich, cheesy, and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy weeknight meal. Whether served with pasta, rice, or crusty bread, these tender meatballs covered in creamy garlic sauce will become a family favorite. Try this easy,flavorful recipe today!