Prepare to be transported to the heart of Italy with a single skillet that promises to revolutionize your dinner routine! This mouthwatering Italian Meatball Mozzarella Spinach Skillet is not just a meal – it's a culinary experience that combines the rich, hearty flavors of perfectly seasoned meatballs, tangy marinara sauce, vibrant spinach, and gooey melted mozzarella. Whether you're looking to impress your family or create a restaurant-worthy dish at home, this recipe is your ticket to an unforgettable dining adventure that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly using your hands until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Form the meat mixture into uniform meatballs, approximately
- 5 inches in diameter. Aim to create about 12-16 meatballs depending on your preferred size.
- Heat a large cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Carefully place the meatballs into the hot skillet, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Brown the meatballs on all sides, rotating them gently to achieve an even golden-brown exterior. This should take about 6-8 minutes.
- Pour the entire jar of marinara sauce over the browned meatballs, ensuring they are mostly covered. Reduce heat to medium-low and let simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until meatballs are cooked through with an internal temperature of 160°F.
- Add fresh spinach leaves on top of the meatballs and sauce, allowing them to wilt naturally from the heat for 2-3 minutes.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the skillet. Cover with a lid and let cheese melt completely, approximately 2-3 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let the skillet rest for 3-4 minutes to allow flavors to meld and cheese to set slightly.
- Serve hot directly from the skillet, ensuring each portion includes meatballs, sauce, spinach, and melted cheese. Optional: Garnish with fresh basil or additional grated Parmesan if desired.
Tips
- Meat Mixing Magic: When combining the meatball ingredients, use your hands to mix thoroughly but avoid overworking the meat, which can make the meatballs tough.
- Temperature is Key: Use a meat thermometer to ensure meatballs reach the safe internal temperature of 160°F for perfectly cooked, juicy results.
- Browning Brilliance: Don't rush the browning process. A golden-brown exterior adds incredible depth of flavor to your meatballs.
- Cheese Melting Hack: For the most even cheese melt, use freshly shredded mozzarella and cover the skillet briefly to trap heat and create that perfect stretchy cheese pull.
- Skillet Selection: A cast-iron skillet is ideal for this recipe as it provides even heat distribution and creates a beautiful fond (browned bits) that adds extra flavor to the sauce.
- Meal Prep Tip: You can prepare the meatballs ahead of time and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking, making weeknight dinners a breeze!
- Serving Suggestion: Serve with crusty Italian bread or over pasta to soak up the delicious marinara sauce and catch all those amazing flavors.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 130mg
