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–+ servings
Broiled Italian Meatballs from Big Gail
These Broiled Italian Meatballs bring a rustic, homestyle Italian flavor straight to your kitchen. Juicy ground beef is mixed with chopped spinach, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and breadcrumbs for a hearty yet light texture. The recipe’s charm lies in its simplicity and the broiling method, which gives the meatballs a crisp exterior while locking in moisture. This dish perfectly blends the savory notes of garlic and Parmesan with the freshness of spinach, making it ideal for pasta, sandwiches, or even served solo as a protein-rich appetizer. It’s a comforting, timeless meal that’s both wholesome and flavorful, embodying the heart of Italian-American home cooking.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Italian
Servings 6
Calories 280 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 egg (slightly beaten)
  • 1 cup spinach (cooked, chopped, well drained)
  • 1 cup bread crumbs (fine, dry)
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese (grated )
  • 1 clove garlic (minced)
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ⅛ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp dried oregano

Instructions
 

Step 1: Preheat Oven

  • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly oil a shallow baking pan with sides.
  • Mix the meatball mixture:
  • In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, beaten egg, spinach, ½ cup of the bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic, salt, pepper, and oregano. Mix lightly until just combined, don’t overmix.

Step 2: Form the meatballs

  • Shape the mixture into 1½-inch balls.

Step 3: Coat the meatballs

  • Roll each meatball in the remaining ½ cup of bread crumbs to coat.

Step 4: Broil

  • Arrange the meatballs in a single layer on the prepared pan.
  • Broil for about 20 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 160°F/71°C).

Step 5: Serve

  • Serve hot, as an appetizer, in pasta, or on a sandwich!

Tips

  • Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
  • Add a dash of crushed red pepper flakes for mild heat.
  • Mix in fresh herbs like basil or parsley for extra freshness.
  • Use panko instead of regular breadcrumbs for a crispier crust.
  • Freeze uncooked meatballs for up to 3 months for quick future meals.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 280kcalCarbohydrates: 9gProtein: 23gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 95mgSodium: 480mgPotassium: 360mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 1300IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2.5mg
Keyword Beef, comfort food, family favorite, garlic, italian dinner, meatballs, Parmesan, spinach
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