Imagine biting into a juicy, flavor-packed meatball that transports you straight to the sun-drenched coastlines of Greece with every single bite. These Mediterranean Meatballs with Spinach and Feta are not just another recipe—they're a culinary journey that combines the rich, hearty taste of ground beef with the tangy brightness of feta and the earthy freshness of spinach. Get ready to elevate your dinner game with a dish that's so delicious, it'll make your family and friends think you've secretly trained in a Mediterranean kitchen!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that your meatballs cook evenly and develop a nice golden color.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped spinach, crumbled feta cheese, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a fork to mix the ingredients thoroughly until well combined.
- Crack the egg into the mixture and continue to mix until the egg is fully incorporated and the mixture is cohesive. The egg acts as a binder, helping to hold the meatballs together.
- Once the mixture is ready, use your hands to shape it into meatballs, about 1 to
- 5 inches in diameter. You should be able to make approximately 16 meatballs from this mixture.
- Place the formed meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased to prevent sticking. Make sure to leave some space between each meatball for even cooking.
- Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake the meatballs for about 20 minutes, or until they are cooked through and browned on the outside. You can check for doneness by cutting one open; the center should no longer be pink.
- While the meatballs are baking, you can prepare a side dish or sauce if desired. A simple tomato sauce or tzatziki pairs wonderfully with these Mediterranean meatballs.
- Once cooked, remove the meatballs from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps to retain their juices and makes them more flavorful.
- Serve the Mediterranean meatballs warm, garnished with additional crumbled feta or fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy them on their own, or with a side of pita bread, salad, or over a bed of rice.
Tips
- Mix ingredients gently to keep the meatballs tender—overmixing can make them tough.
- Use fresh, high-quality feta for the most authentic flavor profile.
- For extra moisture, consider adding a splash of olive oil to the meat mixture.
- If you prefer a crispier exterior, finish the meatballs under the broiler for 2-3 minutes.
- Make sure to let the meatballs rest after cooking to retain their juiciness.
- These meatballs freeze beautifully—make a double batch for quick future meals!
- Experiment with herbs like mint or parsley for additional Mediterranean flair.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 110mg
