Aggie's Kitchen

Baked Spinach and Ricotta Meatballs

Baked Spinach and Ricotta Meatballs are easy to make and will be a family favorite! Perfect addition to Sunday Supper!

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Baked Spinach and Ricotta Meatballs are easy to make and will be a family favorite! Perfect addition to Sunday Supper! Recipe via aggieskitchen.com

My family goes crazy over meatballs. I don’t make them enough but knowing it’s something everyone will surely eat I’m going to make an effort to cook them more often. They aren’t really all that hard to put together, and my thoughts are if you are going to make some go ahead and bake up a double batch (without sauce) and put into the freezer for later.

Whenever we visit my grandparents, you can pretty much count on meatballs being served with our pasta. My grandfather whips up batches of meatballs in large quantities and has a big stash in the freezer at all times for any spontaneous visits from grandchildren (and great grandchildren). He also likes to send me home with my own bag sometimes. I’ve been so spoiled by my grandpa over the years. You have no idea how awesome it is to have bags of meatballs, chicken cutlets, polenta and stuffed cabbage rolls in the freezer waiting for me. It’s such a treat for us – not only is it extremely helpful and convenient, but it’s comforting too. I live an hour away from my family, it may not be far for some but it feels very far for me a lot of the time. I try to get home as often as I can, but it’s not the same as living a few houses down from your grandparents (like I have my whole life).

Baked Spinach and Ricotta Meatballs are easy to make and will be a family favorite! Perfect addition to Sunday Supper! Recipe via aggieskitchen.com

These meatballs. They really turned out delicious. They aren’t how my grandpa would make them, I don’t see him adding ricotta or spinach, but I thought it would be fun to try it this way. I have added spinach to turkey meatballs before, and honestly, no one knows it’s spinach. It really adds a nice pop of color to your meatballs. Browning them on the stovetop before baking them makes the outside a little more firm in my opinion, but I’ve baked them completely before so you can always skip that step and add extra cooking time in the oven (before adding sauce). I do like them seared though.

Baked Spinach and Ricotta Meatballs are easy to make and will be a family favorite! Perfect addition to Sunday Supper! Recipe via aggieskitchen.com

The extra mozzarella at the end is optional…but I don’t think anyone will complain if you add it. I didn’t add much, just a small bit on each meatball.

I served these Baked Spinach and Ricotta Meatballs over polenta (thank you Nonno!) but they would be great on their own, with pasta or over a bed of sauteed kale or spaghetti squash if you are trying to stay away from carbs.

Baked Spinach and Ricotta Meatballs are easy to make and will be a family favorite! Perfect addition to Sunday Supper! Recipe via aggieskitchen.com

 

Print Recipe

Spinach and Ricotta Meatballs

Yield: about 14 meatballs

Ingredients:

  • 1.25 lean ground beef
  • 1/2 cup part-skim ricotta
  • 2 handfuls fresh spinach leaves, sliced thin
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • fresh ground pepper, pinch
  • 2 eggs, whisked
  • 1/2 cup whole wheat panko
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
  • 1 tablespoon oil
  • 2 cups prepared marinara sauce
  • mozzarella cheese

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, gently mix together ground beef, ricotta, spinach, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, eggs, panko and Parmesan cheese. I use my hands to combine (it helps to spread the ingredients better without overmixing).
  3. Heat your large oven proof pan over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon cooking oil to pan (tilt pan to spread oil around). Roll meatballs (into slightly bigger than golf ball size) and carefully add to pan. Let meatballs sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until outside of meatballs are browned. Use tongs to turn meatballs in pan. Make sure to let the side searing get a good cook on it before turning (to keep from sticking and falling apart).
  4. Turn off heat. Add marinara sauce to pan, covering all of your meatballs with sauce. Cover pan with lid and place in oven and bake for 20 minutes until sauce is bubbling. Add mozzarella cheese to meatballs and bake uncovered for another 5-10 minutes until cheese is melted.
  5. Serve meatballs on their own, in rolls, with whole wheat pasta, over polenta or over sauteed kale. Enjoy!

If you do not have an oven proof skillet/pan, sear the meatballs first then carefully transfer to a glass baking dish (add a little sauce to bottom of dish before placing meatballs in to prevent sticking). Cover with foil if you do not have a cover.

I used this braiser for this recipe (and many others). Worth the investment, it's one of my favorite items in my kitchen!

Follow AggiesKitchen on Instagram and show us what recipes you are making from the blog! Use the hashtag #aggieskitchen - I'd love to see what you are cooking up!

More recipes to add to your Sunday Supper:

Baked Lemon Chicken Spaghetti Primavera | Recipe Girl

Make Ahead Manicotti | Valerie’s Kitchen

Roasted Italian Turkey Sausage, Potatoes and Peppers

Slow Cooker Risotto with Italian Sausage and Butternut Squash | The Food Charlatan

Swiss Chard with White Beans over Pasta

 

Le Creuset Braiser

Check out my Pinterest Board for more healthy recipes. Follow Aggie’s Kitchen’s board Aggie’s Kitchen Recipes on Pinterest.

I am really excited about today’s giveaway. I am pretty much in love with this 3 1/2 qt. Braiser from Le Creuset and I know you will be too. Not only is it totally gorgeous (color shown is Flame) and the best quality, but it is so functional. I can’t stop thinking about what I want to cook in it! It’s perfect for any kind of one-pot type meal where you need to brown meat (like this Stuffed Cabbage Casserole) before adding ingredients, but it also works for braising greens like my Stewed Kale and Tomatoes.

Enter to win your own 3 1/2 qt. Braiser from Le Creuset (you pick your color, subject to availability) by following the prompts in the Rafflecopter widget below.

Good luck and thanks for entering!

Sorry, giveaway open to U.S. readers only.

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

(Disclosure: I was provided with my own 3 1/2 qt. braiser from Le Creuset. As always my opinions are my own!)

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210 comments on “Baked Spinach and Ricotta Meatballs”

  1. Great giveaway…. Just pinned this recipe, will be making soon

  2. Also, I would like the flame color, since I have other cookware in that color, thanks

  3. I think I would love to have mine in the Caribbean color if I won!

  4. Red!!! What a great giveaway! And I mean, who doesn’t go crazy for meatballs!?

  5. I’d love a blue one

  6. I’d love the Marseille!

  7. I actually LOVE the orange color, but am not choosy! lol

    Thank you for the chance to win! Your meatballs recipe looks delicious!

    Joey J.

  8. I like the color Cherry.

  9. I was just thinking I needed to find a good turkey meatball recipe. Glad this lead me to one. The beef meatballs look great, too!

    • I bet if you just subbed turkey in this one it would be great too! normally I would use turkey, but I had some ground beef to use up. Thank you!

  10. I’d love a maroon colored one. SO pretty! Great recipe too, Aggie!

  11. I would love to win the Le Creuset 3 1/2 quart Braiser in Flame!

  12. The Flame color is beautiful! I want it!

  13. I’d like the flame color…such a lively pop of color!

  14. I’d love it in the Flame color! Thanks.

  15. I just want to win!!! But I love the flame color!

  16. these meatballs looked so good,i would like any color pan

  17. Over 30 years ago in my secretarial job, a gentleman in the office game me a set of the Orange pots for a wedding present. They are still in use to this day.

  18. I LOVE Le Creuset. I have a 5.5 qt. dutch oven that I use all the time (in Dijon)! I’ve always wanted a piece in Caribbean, though, so I’d go for that!

  19. I’ve always wanted Le Creuset cookware! I love cooking home made meals for my husband. 🙂

  20. Love your meatball recipe and will definitely be making them!! I love the flame color, to match my 5.5 qt. Dutch oven piece!

  21. What a giveaway !!! Soleil!!!! Or Palm!

  22. Any color would make me happy! But a blue would be gorgeous

  23. I love the Orange color. Making these meatballs real soon.

  24. I LOVE Le Creuset cookware. I would choose the yellow one!

  25. The meatballs look great!

  26. Le Creuset is the best cookware.

  27. blue one

  28. I’d love the blue!

  29. I have had this pot on my wish list for…ever! Love your recipes! Thanks 🙂

  30. I would love it in the dune color!! hope to win!!

  31. oops….thanks

  32. Orange is gorgeous!

  33. Ah, meatballs. I want to host Friday night dinners of spaghetti and meatballs and just had a ‘duh!” moment – why didn’t I think of making them in larger quantities and freezing? This would make Friday nights easier.

    Oh… color is so difficult because they have so many beautiful colors: Its a tie between Cream and Cassis.

    • I love the idea of spaghetti and meatballs on Friday nights…so fun. I may have to plan something like that soon. And making them ahead would make it SO much easier!!! I am always glad when I do, need to do it more! Good luck with the giveaway!

  34. I subscribed , but I am already a subscriber 😉

  35. Can’t wait to try these meatballs. Bet they would be even better cooked in a Le Creuset!

  36. A blue one would be great!

  37. I like blue. And I will try these meatballs soon!!

  38. Love the flame. It would go so great in my kitchen.

  39. Thanks for the giveaway and the delicious looking meatball recipe. Le Creuset in Dune or Dijon are my favorites.

  40. Quince or dune! Meatballs look delicious!

  41. I am loving the flavor combo going on in those amazing meatballs!! And extra mozzarella at the end…yes, please!!! I would love a cherry Le Creuset!

  42. Hmm either orange or teal… hard to pick!

  43. I would love a cherry colored braiser. 🙂

  44. I like the orange but I already have a dark blue soup pot so I think I would like that so they would match 🙂

  45. I love the Le Crueset Caribean blue! I’ve also seen a very pale robin’s egg blue, but I’m not sure they sell it in the US. Love Le Crueset. Thanks for the give away and the great meatball recipe.

  46. Cherry is my favorite color. The pics of the meatballs are terrific.

  47. Red, Blue, or any color. Love this pan. Thanks for the chance to in.

  48. I’d love it in white. Great giveaway, thanks for offering it.

  49. I would LOVE a red one. Been meaning to get myself one.

  50. Your site is looking great, Aggie, and those meatballs look to-die-for. And I agree – there has to be a bit of a sear for that added layer of flavor.

  51. i’d like it in cassis.

  52. What a beautiful piece of cookware.

  53. I would choose the red one…would go so well with some of my other kitchen pots and pans.

  54. I completely understand your comment about family being close. Six months ago we bought a farm and now we are an hour away. It doesn’t seem like much to some people but to me it is difficult. Prior to the move my mom, dad and brother were all just five minutes away. My sister and her family were 15 minutes away. The only reason I was able to move is because after 35 years of being divorced my parents remarried in the spring. I just don’t think I could have left my mom alone. Today is her birthday.
    We love our new life but I really miss my family.

  55. This looks absolutely delicious, perfect for winter weather!

  56. Yes indeed, everyone loves meatballs, and these look wonderful. I’ go for flame, but any color will do!

  57. Hi! How can I register for the giveaway? Thanks

  58. I would like it in the color Flame.

  59. I think I would choose the color Cherry. Most of my cookware is in red so I think that I like that color for me.

  60. These meatballs sound yummy….will definitely be trying this recipe!

  61. The braiser would be so useful! I don’t have anything like that. I’d love it in Flame.

  62. I am in love with the blue one!!!

  63. This recipe sounds delicious and oh so comforting! I’m adding it to our menu for next week. LeCreuset is such a quality brand, too. I love all their colors but the Caribbean color really speaks to me. It brings back memories of the beach, which we don’t have close by anymore.

  64. Those sound amazing & would love a flame braising pan on my stove top.

  65. The meatballs look wonderful. I LOVE Le Creuset and would love to win the cherry colored braiser.

  66. I love the blue one! And your recipe is making my mouth water!

  67. I would like the flame one! So cool!

  68. I would love an orange one!

  69. The Caribbean blue is my favorite

  70. I like Quince to match my Dutch oven.

  71. The Rosemary Braiser would be lovely!

  72. I’ll like cherry.

  73. I would choose Flame maybe.

  74. The red one is gorgeous. The recipe looks yummy.

  75. A braiser is on my wishlist! I like cassis color.

  76. I have a long and very happy relationship with Le Creuset. My mom had a full set and bought me my first set as a bridal shower gift in a beautiful blue that they call “Lapis”. I know…nice gift. I’ve built on that set, adding additional pieces over the years. I have use this braiser for so many things. I have plans to go out and buy another to replace mine that is now so old and worn there is almost no coating left on cast iron! Okay, that was long…sorry 🙂 Oh, and I love that your Grandpa stocks the freezer with meatballs 🙂

  77. I would pick the white or the cherry color!

    demureprincess7(at)gmail(dot)com

  78. i adore Le Creuset, I have been coveting this braiser! White is for me.

  79. Red or cherry

  80. Meatballs are an almost perfect food. Good for casseroles, soups, sandwiches and, of course, pasta dishes. I can just eat them out of the pan. These look delicious. A red Le Creuset would make them look good in my kitchen too!

  81. Purple!
    Would love to win – I have had my eye on this braiser for quite awhile – what a wonderful giveaway 🙂

  82. rosemary or another shade of green..or maybe purple?

  83. I really like the Caribbean color

  84. Love to have this pan. Flame would be my first choice but I would take any color!

  85. I like the Lapis color

  86. I am making meatballs tonight! Unfortunately its half of a batch I made a few weeks ago, but I love the idea of these. I will definitely try the spinach and ricotta next time.

    I love me creuset, most of mine are flame but I love the blue and yellow!

  87. i think burgundy would be good for me. What a great giveaway.

  88. Love the lapis color

  89. I would like the burgundy color

  90. These meatballs look fantastic. Great giveaway!

  91. Love the mineral blue.

  92. I think I like palm best.

  93. I like the flame color.

  94. Your meatballs look so good. I would probably choose the white color because that is what I have in the dutch oven, although all the colors are beautiful.

  95. I love the cassis.

  96. I’d love the Caribbean!

  97. Would love the flame! The meatballs look amazing

  98. I would LOVE the Caribbean color! Beautiful! Also, I am so excited to make this meatball recipe! My family eats meatballs like they are candy.

  99. Either the Caribbean or Palm color – they’re both such happy colors!

  100. This looks incredible! I love all the colors but the Caribbean is my current favorite!

  101. I love your blog Aggie…and Le Creuset’s Ocean color!

  102. Hope I win so I can use it to make these meatballs! Fingers crossed!!

  103. I’m very into orange (flame) right now!

  104. I would love to have the Soleil!

  105. Marseille please!

  106. I want those meatballs and I want that pan!

  107. I like the Flame. The meatballs look delish! Your grandfather sounds like a sweetheart. Your story warmed my heart 😉

  108. I would love either burgundy or truffle, but all the colors are gorgeous. As are the meatballs!

    Thank you for the chance to win!

  109. I would love a mustard yellow or burgundy since those are the colors of my dishware 🙂

  110. I would love to have this in the color palm, so many colors to choose from, I might change my mind later.

  111. Just pinned the recipe- would love to make it in this pan!

  112. I love the red color that they call ‘Cherry’.

  113. I would want a caribbean color one or a palm one. 🙂

  114. Red red red!!!

  115. The burgundy color is so gorgeous

  116. any color would be great as this is a very versatile skillet/ get ready for some Tasty meatballs!

  117. I would LOVE the Caribbean!

  118. Soleil is very nice!!

  119. Hmmmmm… hard to choose… Definitely Burgundy, although Truffle is a very close second 🙂

  120. Any color! But Cherry and Caribbean are pretty!

  121. I like the cassis color!

  122. I kinda like the sisal color but the sand is nice too. And just look at it makes me want warm, conforming food.

  123. love the Cassis purple

  124. Dune is my favorite!

  125. The Marseille color speaks to me! What a gorgeous braiser.

  126. I’d love a blue one

  127. Flame is my favorite Le Creuset color!

  128. I love the lime green one.

  129. I would love the Orange! Thank you!!!

  130. I like the cassis

  131. I love caribbean!

  132. I’ve been dreaming of a Caribbean colored anything & everything from Le Creuset!! And I would definitely be making these meatballs in it.

  133. The orange one is my favorite!

  134. Cherry!

  135. I would love the cherry color. Pin as jacksondeb; tw as devyjackson; instagram carlaaldrich

  136. I would love the fennel color!

  137. Soleis would be fun. Thank you: )

  138. I love the Indigo one 🙂

  139. I would love a blue one. I’m planning to make these meatballs tonight!

  140. I love the dark blue! By the way the new site looks wonderful!

  141. I would love this! I have the larger-sized braiser and it is one of my most-used kitchen items. I would take flame or yellow!

  142. As a mom I know I am living in a sleep deprived foggy haze most days but I can’t believe I haven’t frozen meatballs to have ready when my 3 year old son asks for them (usually three times a week). Duh! My mom used to buy 20 pounds of ground beef and my siblings and I would have to roll out millions of meatballs for the freezer. I must still be scarred from that. Ha!

    I am drooling over the palm color, however, any color would look good in my white kitchen. 🙂

  143. I love the dune color!!!

  144. Would definitely love the Palm color – just registered for my wedding and so in love with that gorgeous green 🙂

  145. I would choose either the Palm or the Marseilles. They’re all gorgeous!

  146. Orange would be nice, thank you.

  147. I read this blog post today and immediately went out and got a few ingredients I didn’t have on hand so that I can make these meatballs…they look so good! And the cookware is gorgeous…I love the Flame as well!

  148. Oh gosh! They are all so beautiful! I would be happy with any color!

  149. Would love to have this pan.. And can’t wait to try that meatball recipe.

  150. Just saw the delicious meatball recipe on Pinterest – and LOVE the orange Le Creuset!

  151. I love that orange color, but there is a turquoise blue that I really like too.

  152. Yum! Meatballs for Christmas in a red Le Creuset! Magical!

  153. I would choose the orange or red one. Thanks for the giveaway.

  154. Cherry or any of the blues. They’re all gorgeous!

  155. I like Burgundy!

  156. Classic orange!

  157. I’d love to win it in Soleil!

  158. I love the Lapis color!! So many beautiful options!!

  159. I would pick flame or Cherry!

  160. I would love to have the orange braiser

  161. This looks yummy! I am going to have to try making these this weekend. Thanks for the Recipe.

  162. I came across your recipe for these meatballs via pinterest. Toying with making them as slider filling for dinner tonight. Looks like this is a winner! Le Creuset rocks in the cookware world. The flame color is a classic.

  163. Btw, Hubby loved it! He said that is a new favorite! 🙂

  164. The girls both LOVE meatballs – may have to give this recipe a try soon! And all the colors are so cute – I think my favorite is the Cassis (purple)!

  165. I would love to own this.

  166. Thanks for dinner last nite, it was wonderful! My ricotta had gone bad, so I used cottage cheese, frozen spinach instead of fresh, fresh bread crumbs instead of panko and added ~1/4 lb of sausage. My meatballs always stick no matter how diligent I am (sigh). Next time I’ll remove grease before adding sauce. I was just being a rebel with the fat. I sprinkled leftover cooked noodles over the meat and sauce, then the mozzarella, so the pasta wouldn’t overly dry during the final bake. A definite repeat. 🙂

  167. I would love it in flame!

  168. Oh, I like any color enamel cookware. Orange is a wonderful “feel good about being in the Kitchen” color. Good luck to everybody. Whoever wins, keep it and use it. You will love it, so much better than teflon.

  169. I would love it in Cherry Red!!

  170. I <3 Le Creuset! The braiser would be awesome!

  171. Completely in love with the Palm color

  172. If i win i Would love the flame color. Good luck to everyone!

  173. My phone isn’t showing me the names of the colors but I really like the Tuscan-ish mustardy yellow or rustic orange. Would look lovely in my kitchen!

  174. I loveeeee the burnt red color! It would go so well in my creamy white kitchen!

  175. The Caribbean blue!!

  176. Can’t wait to try these!. I love Le Crueset by way. Didn’t get my first piece until we were married for several years. Wished I had registered for a whole set years ago!

  177. I’d like an orange one.

  178. I love all the colors but the Flame is my favorite, followed closely by the Marseille.

  179. Gosh. What a lovely recipe. I can just imagine the wonderful taste of these on rolls. Wonderful recipe! I had a enamel pot once, but I think I used it to death. They are truly the best cookware out there. From stove top to oven to table, so easy. (Just don’t forget to put something under it when it’s on the table) I’ve done that too. :-0 I love the colour. Please enter me!!! Happy Holidays

  180. Pingback: Best of 2014 - My Favorite Recipes and Yours

  181. They look so inviting, I am tempted to have them right away. Thanks for sharing

  182. Wow the meatballs sound yummy!! Thank you for sharing. Do you know the calories, fat and protein per serving? I would appreciate your help in figuring this out.

  183. Hey there Aggie!
    Just tried out your recipe today at home and my husband just loved them! Take lots of love and best wishes from us! They just tasted awesome.

  184. I have made this meatball recipe many many times over the years. It is amazing every single time! Thanks for the great go to recipe!