Prepare to elevate your dinner experience with these irresistible Cheese Meatballs nestled in a velvety spinach cream sauce. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dish that promises to tantalize your taste buds and impress even the most discerning food lovers. Imagine biting into a perfectly browned meatball, only to discover a molten cheese center, all while being embraced by a rich, creamy spinach sauce that speaks of pure culinary indulgence.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 500g (1.1 lbs) ground beef (or beef/veal mix)
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 100g (3.5 oz) melted cheese, diced (mozzarella, Comté, Gouda, or mix)
For the Creamy Spinach Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 200g (7 oz) fresh spinach (or frozen, well-drained)
- 250ml (1 cup) heavy cream
- 60g (2 oz) grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt, pepper, and nutmeg to taste
- 1 pinch chili flakes (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Meatballs:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground meat, egg, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
- Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Take a small portion of the meat mixture and flatten it in your palm.
- Place a cube of cheese in the center of the flattened meat.
- Carefully wrap the meat around the cheese, sealing it completely to form a tightly closed meatball.
- Repeat the process until all meat and cheese are used.
- Cook the Meatballs:
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of olive oil.
- Carefully place the meatballs in the skillet, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
- Brown the meatballs on all sides, rotating them gently to achieve an even, golden-brown exterior.
- Cook for approximately 6-8 minutes, ensuring the meat is cooked through.
- Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside, keeping them warm.
- Prepare the Creamy Spinach Sauce:
- In the same skillet used for the meatballs, add olive oil and minced garlic.
- Sauté the garlic for 30-60 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add fresh spinach and cook until it wilts completely, about 2-3 minutes.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt and create a smooth sauce.
- Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg.
- Add chili flakes if desired for a subtle heat.
- Combine and Serve:
- Gently return the meatballs to the skillet, coating them in the creamy spinach sauce.
- Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to ensure the meatballs are heated through.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Details
- Preparation Time: 25 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
- Servings: 4 people
Nutritional Highlights
- High-protein meatballs
- Rich in calcium from cheese
- Packed with iron from spinach
- Good source of vitamins A and K
Why This Recipe is a Nutritious Choice
This Cheese Meatballs with Creamy Spinach Sauce is more than just a decadent meal—it’s a nutritional powerhouse. The lean ground beef provides essential proteins, while the spinach delivers a robust dose of vitamins and minerals. Spinach is particularly rich in iron, which supports oxygen transportation in the body, and vitamin K, crucial for bone health.
The combination of proteins, healthy fats from the cream, and nutrient-dense vegetables makes this dish a balanced meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor. The use of Parmesan cheese adds depth of flavor and provides additional calcium and protein.
Pro Tip: For a lighter version, substitute half the heavy cream with Greek yogurt and use lean ground beef or turkey.