Spinach Meatballs

Manami's Note:

This recipe provided by Texas Beef Council. It is lean and packed with iron. Baked, not fried and can be frozen.Update: 03/13/2010 Elainemae, a reviewer suggested we use infant's rice cereal instead of breadcrumbs and it serves a dual purpose - increase the iron content. Great idea! :)

• Total Time: 1 hrs 25 mins
• Prep Time: 30 mins
• Cook Time: 55 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 4

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 (10 ounce) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/3 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1 (10 1/2 ounce) jar prepared spaghetti sauce
• 8 ounces uncooked pasta
• grated parmesan cheese (optional)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a medium bowl, combine ground beef, spinach, egg, onion powder, garlic powder, bread crumbs, salt & pepper.
3. Mix all ingredients well and form into small meatballs.
4. Place meatballs on jelly roll pan and place into preheated oven; bake for 40-50 minutes (depending on size of meatballs).
5. While meatballs are cooking, prepare pasta according to package directions, drain and keep warm.
6. In a large skillet or sauce pan, pour jar of prepared spaghetti sauce.
7. When meatballs are fully cooked, remove from oven and place in sauce.
8. Simmer on medium heat 6-8 minutes.
9. Serve meatballs and sauce over cooked pasta.
10. Top with grated Parmesan cheese.

Reviews

[Elaniemay]

If you are looking to up your iron content, try using infant rice cereal instead of the bread crumbs. It works just the same.

[Ck2plz]

These were good. Great way to add veggies. I used ground turkey so be careful they do not dry out when you bake them.

[OutOfThyme]

I made these to have in sub rolls with provolone cheese on top and then baked in the oven till the roll was crunchy and the cheese was melted. We woofed them down and DH says they are a winner so I will certainly make them again!